Rangers and Celtic-linked striker Thomas Henry has completed a reported £5m transfer from OH Leuven to Serie A newcomers Venezia.
The Gers were linked with Henry earlier this month by Football Insider, who also credited Premier League clubs Southampton and Watford with interest.
Around the same time, the Scottish Sun claimed that Celtic were in pole position to sign him.
The 26-year-old scored 21 goals in the Belgian top-flight for OHL last season and carried that form into the current campaign, netting three times in four matches.
However, OHL have now taken the opportunity to cash in on the prolific Frenchman.
After a proposed move to Gent that was ’95 per cent done’ collapsed, Venezia swooped in and signed Henry for a reported fee of £5m [Scottish Sun].
The Italian outfit confirmed the transfer on Tuesday and club director Paolo Poggi expressed his delight at the deal.
“To bring Thomas to Venice, we made an important offer,” he said [Scottish Sun].
“Beyond the economic aspect, we have shown confidence in the player by explaining our project to him and we’re satisfied he chose us over many clubs, for example Celtic.”
Rangers and Celtic linked Henry moves to Serie A
It was conceivable that Rangers were looking at Henry as a possible replacement for Alfredo Morelos but it always seemed unlikely that the club would be in a position to spend somewhere in the region of £5m to bring him in without first making a major sale.
Yet, if Morelos stays at Ibrox beyond next week’s transfer deadline, Steven Gerrard will likely still be content with his forward options, given that Kemar Roofe, Cedric Itten, Fashion Sakala and Jermain Defoe are all also at the club.
Bears may well be relieved that Henry hasn’t ended up at Celtic Park, though, as he may have proven a handful for Connor Goldson and co. in Old Firms.
Meanwhile, Rangers fans are backing a homegrown talent to shine as his competitive Gers debut beckons against Alashkert.