Rangers are scouting Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei with Philippe Clement’s side facing up to a potential transfer battle with Old Firm and Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic.
That is according to Sky Sports, interest rising in the 21-year-old on the back of an eye-catching spell over in Sweden.
Nathaniel Adjei, so impressive under Hammarby’s now-Queens Park Rangers boss Marti Cifuentes, looks destined to make a step up the footballing ladder in 2024, Rangers and Celtic coming forward potentially to offer European football and a shot at silverware on Scottish soil.
Rangers scout Nathaniel Adjei
Sky say that a ‘representative’ of the Ibrox giants has travelled to Sweden in recent weeks to watch Adjei in the flesh. The Swedish campaign ends this month. As such, Adjei may look to make a move in January, during the Allsvenskan’s pre-season.
Capped by Ghana at U23 level, Adjei is the latest up-and-coming African to make a name for himself in Scandinavia. Mohammed Kudus, for instance, spent time at Nordsjaelland before joining Ajax, while Yankuba Minteh joined Newcastle after catching the eye at Odense BK in Denmark.
Adjei, strong and athletic, tends to use his 6ft 1ins frame to very good use. He is also very comfortable with the ball at his feet, adept at starting attacks from deep with smart passes or marauding runs into midfield.
And, while right-footed by trade, Adjei has impressed as a left-sided centre-half at Hammarby, suggesting that he could step in alongside Connor Goldson should the injury-prone John Souttar face another spell on the sidelines.
Rangers vs Celtic for Hammarby defender
“I am open to playing different roles on the pitch,” Adjei, who has also filled in at full-back, told Hammarby TV recently. “I believe it will benefit my development and allow me to showcase my talent at any club I find myself in.”
“He will develop into a top-notch defender, in my opinion,” adds former head coach Cifuentes (GhanaSoccerNet).
“We know the talent we have on our hands because he has displayed glimpses of being a top-notch football player.”
According to reports, Philippe Clement’s Rangers are prioritising a striker, rather than a defender, in the winter. The club could make up to three signings.
