The top priority for Rangers this summer is now a striker who scores goals and creates chances, in Benie Traore, Michael Beale has the answer.
A £4m valuation is said to be what Swedish outfit Hacken are looking for, which is well within our price range given recent bid reports, with Malik Tillman unlikely to be back, this is where the money should now be spent.
Analysing Rangers-linked Benie Traore compared to other strikers in the Allsvenskan, it’s clear that the 20-year old could be the man we are looking for.
The Ivory Coast youth cap has been an outstanding bit of scouting by the Swedes.
With 14 goals and five assists in 19 appearances this season, it’s easy to see why Hacken rate him so highly.
Looking at Traore’s numbers, it’s also easy to see why Rangers have been scouting him.
Why Rangers have been keeping a close eye on Benie Traore
Top for non-penalty expected goals, 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals, shots and touches in the penalty box make for an out and out goal scorer.
But it gets better.
Traore also creates chances for others too.
Top for second assists – the pass that leads to the assist – 92nd percentile for assists and shot assists.
This is exactly the type of profile that Michael Beale needs in a fluent front three.
With Celtic also said to be interested, the one thing we could offer is almost guaranteed minutes.
Michael Beale plays with two strikers in most games and we are also looking to sign one that can be our first choice alongside Sam Lammers.
Lammers could be the free role creator which allows Traore to focus on what he does best – scoring goals.
Rangers have already lost out on one young striker who is destined for the top in Petar Ratkov, losing out on Benie Traore would be even harder to take.
Especially if it was to them.
