Michael Beale has upgraded his forward department this summer at Rangers but Uche Ikpeazu’s availability shouldn’t make him a target again.
The Light Blues were linked with a host of new strikers this summer, players out of contract, promising youngsters and established senior professionals.
One player who was said to be linked in the past when he was at Hearts was Uche Ikpeazu, the towering target man who is now unattached but shouldn’t be on the Rangers manager’s shopping list.
Described as “unplayable” by Steven Gerrard, the 28-year old has just left Konyaspor due to a contractual disagreement and is looking for a new club.
From 2018 to 2021, Ikpeazu was a fans’ favourite at Tynecastle despite only scoring 10 goals in 55 games.
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He did have nine assists as well which perhaps points to where his main strengths lie.
Ikpeazu ran both Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic ragged on a few occasions.
Why Rangers have moved on from Uche Ikpeazu
At 6ft 3inches tall, the London born Ugandan is big, but it wasn’t just his height that was an issue.
Ikpeazu is a unit, think Alfredo Morelos but half a foot taller and half a foot broader.
Rangers look to have brought in a similar type of player in Cyriel Dessers only more refined and with a better goal scoring record at elite level.
Dessers is the only player out of the new forwards who has played every game and there is a reason for that.
Michael Beale wants a focal point for the attack, a striker who can occupy defenders and bring others into play.
Ikpeazu was considered by Steven Gerrard when Beale was number two, however, it would be a huge surprise if he appeared back on the radar.
Goldson will be hoping that he doesn’t come back up to the SPFL though, he still has sleepless nights.