Joey Veerman aside, there’s probably been no player we’ve seen at Rangers News more hyped by the Ibrox support than Ali McCann during this transfer window.
The Gers legions have been remarkably impressed with the St Johnstone talent, 21, and after strutting his stuff v Galatasaray, fans aplenty urged the Ibrox side to move.
Many Rangers fans are big fans of Ali McCann and were impressed with him against Galatasaray in the Europa League qualifiers. (Photo by Mehmet Eser/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
McCann is Steven Davis’ understudy in the middle of the park for Northern Ireland and plenty of Rangers supporters had visions of the same at Ibrox.
One of the most highly sought-after talents in the Scottish game, others were more sceptical about how much the talented midfielder might cost should someone look to secure his services.
St Johnstone even sarcastically suggested they’d demand £40m for the McDiarmid Park star after those impressive displays against the Turks.
40 million now#SJFC
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) August 8, 2021
But those Rangers fans who believed McCann would be good business will be shocked to hear that the player moved on deadline day for around a 40th of that price.
Yes, that’s right, English Championship outfit Preston North End have snapped up a sizeable bargain in signing young McCann for an initial £1.2m as the window slammed shut [Sky Sports].
Whilst that Sky Sports report claims the fee could rise to £1.75m, to sign a fully-fledged international with such high promise as McCann at that price, in this market, it’s objectively a bargain.
Preston confirm the signing of Ali McCann from St Johnstone.
£1.2million. 2.5 years left on his deal. Just starred against LASK and Galatasaray. Soon to be into double figures in Northern Ireland caps. Only 21 years of age. A double winner.
An absolute steal of a transfer.
— Aidan Smith (@SmithAidan1) August 31, 2021
Rangers may well rue not meeting the asking price for the youngster but there’s no suggestion the Edinburgh-born Northern Irish international would fancy a move to Ibrox.
Old Firm rivals Celtic were also said to be interested and – with the promise of big money and big exposure down south – a move to England may well have been McCann’s preferred move.
Nonetheless, Rangers remain well-stocked in a midfield which has been bolstered by the additions of John Lundstram and Juninho Bacuna in this transfer window.
Whilst there were no incomings at Ibrox on deadline day, Steven Gerrard did stay true to his promise with the final exit of the day in Govan.