Rangers are linked to a double striker signing in Cyriel Dessers and Josh Maja – but both players could miss a crucial four weeks courtesy of AFCON.
The Gers are on the hunt for more firepower this summer with influential striker Alfredo Morelos set to leave Rangers and major doubts surrounding Kemar Roofe and Antonio Colak.
Michael Beale is reportedly closing in on a £4.4m move for Nigerian international Cyriel Dessers to replace the Colombian after the relegation of Cremonese from Serie A.
Another player who has been linked to Ibrox is countryman Josh Maja, who is soon set to be out of contract at Ligue 2 Bordeaux after they narrowly missed out on promotion.
Whilst the former Sunderland striker doesn’t seem quite as close as Dessers, Maja has still been strongly linked and at the moment, Rangers fans retain a close eye on any movement.
Rangers striker links could get AFCON call
Getting both players in the door for under £5m would be solid work for Rangers heading into next season but should the deals come to fruition, then the Ibrox side could be in for a tough four week spell next year.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be held in the Ivory Coast between the 13th of January and the 11th of February 2024.
The Scottish Premiership does stop for a winter break and – whilst the fixtures haven’t yet been announced – going by previous arrangements this tournament will stretch into the game restarting in Scotland.
Whilst Nigeria have yet to qualify for the AFCON tournament, should they get there then the potential Rangers success of striker pair Cyriel Dessers and Josh Maja could be a double edged sword.
Throw in Fashion Sakala representing Zambia, and suddenly Rangers could be without three key attacking players heading into league competition after the dreaded winter break, should the links be realised.
It’s enough to almost give you flashbacks to 18/19 and 19/20 under Steven Gerrard.
