Oliver McBurnie is a well-known Rangers fan, but a move to Ibrox in January? That just isn’t happening.
The Scottish international will likely be a Ger one day, that seems almost undeniable. Regardless, he won’t be the striker Rangers are targeting in the Winter break.
The Gers are after four new signings, with many wondering who the striker is that is being targeted. McBurnie would fit the bill for a variety of reasons. He’s a constant performer at Championship level down in England, and understands the demands of Rangers players.
But the reason this is a no-go is straightforward – his value.
We put a case forward for Rangers going for the star earlier this season, but his contribution in Wales has rocketed since.
Swansea City tied him up on a new three-year contract in the summer. That deal has the option for a fourth year, showing just how highly they rate the Scotsman. He was signed from Bradford by the Swans back in 2015 for an undisclosed fee, but Rangers wouldn’t likely get him for anything other than a deal close to £10million.
The right attributes but at the wrong time
He has the passion, the drive, and the love for Rangers to be a success at Ibrox. The fact is, however, that he’s far too expensive for Rangers to make a move for.
So far this season, McBurnie has bagged seven goals and nabbed two assists for Swansea. Operating at Championship level, this is a fine return. He’s yet to score in any of his six international appearances, but Alex McLeish is clearly a fan of his.
Rangers are in the market for another striker, with Umar Sadiq nowhere near the standard required. Alfredo Morelos needs help with his goal burden this season, with Kyle Lafferty also yet to show his true worth.
The likes of McBurnie probably wouldn’t fancy coming to Ibrox to battle it out as a third-choice striker anyway. From first choice in the English Championship to third choice in the Scottish Premiership? It’s unlikely that kind of role would even impress such a die-hard Rangers fan regardless.
He will end up at Ibrox one day. His love for the club means an official association between the pair is inevitable. Will it happen in January though? Probably not
