Stephen Odey is yet to score a single league goal this season after reports suggested that Rangers were weighing up a potential £3.5 million move for the striker last summer.
The two-time Nigeria international, when quizzed about the prospect of a switch to Rangers or their Old Firm rivals Celtic, could have been forgiven for simply simply batting away the rumours, opting for a quiet, drama-free life. Instead, Odey spoke openly about his interest in a potential switch to Ibrox or Parkhead.
The well-travelled centre-forward, who played in Switzerland and France before arriving in Denmark, certainly would have been happy to talk if the Glasgow giants came calling.
It was not quite a ‘come and get me plea’ but it wasn’t far off.
“These are big clubs,” Odey said, quizzed about reports linking him with both Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic. “And it is clear that this is something that I want to be open to.”
Rangers liked Stephen Odey
But if Odey hopes to see Rangers renew their interest during the upcoming transfer window…
Well, let’s just say we wouldn’t recommend holding your breath. In 19 league games for Danish Superligaen outfit and Rangers’ near-namesake Randers SC, Odey has not scored a single goal. Considering that he found the net 14 times last term, Odey’s decline has been both rapid and considerable.
It certainly seems like light years ago that Odey was being singled out as a player for Leicester City to fear ahead of a UEFA Conference League clash between the Foxes and Randers some 13 months ago.
“The big name is Stephen Odey,” said Danish reporter Toke Theilade said at the time. “He’s been really, really good.
“He’s the kind of player who Randers shouldn’t really be able to get. He was one of the biggest signings of the season. He’s been fantastic. He is great in front of goal, has a great finish, and he is physically strong.”
Now, Odey has always been prone to bouts of ‘feast or famine’. Before hitting 14 in his debut campaign in Denmark, Odey hit just six in 2020/21. He scored 15 times in 2018/19, and then followed that up with two in 2019/20.
Should the trend continue, don’t be too surprised if Odey bounces back and hits double figures next season. But, as the striker’s goal drought enters it’s eighth month, he’s unlikely to be fielding any more questions about a potential move to Rangers any time soon.