Vaclav Cerny was a Europa League hero for Rangers against Fenerbahce as his deadly double downed the Turks.
It was Cerny who opened up a two goal advantage for Rangers ahead of the return leg in Glasgow, the Wolfsburg loanee’s double setting up a famous 3-1 Rangers victory.
The two goals mean Vaclav Cerny has now contributed more goals than any other player in the competition this season, with six strikes and two assists.
Only Olympiacos frontman Ayoub El Kaabi (7) has scored more in the Europa League than the Rangers star this campaign.
Such impressive form has naturally had plenty talking about Cerny’s next step, but can Europa League success defy recent comments surrounding a permanent move to Rangers?
Vaclav Cerny Rangers transfer not ‘realistic’
Vaclav Cerny’s agent appeared to talk down a move to Rangers following the winger’s latest display v Fenerbahce.
Cerny is currently on a season-long loan from Wolfsburg and is scheduled to return to the Bundesliga side in the summer.
With Wolfsburg adding Andres Skov Olsen to their ranks in January, it is expected Cerny will move on at the end of the season.
But according to David Nehoda – the Czech winger’s representative – Rangers are not expected to make the loan switch permanent with Cerny instead being eyed for a switch to France or Italy.
“I can’t say what will happen next, but I don’t think it’s very realistic for him to stay at Rangers,” Nehoda explains.
“His contract at Wolfsburg ends in the summer of 2027. So, I would assume that the club will want to recall him, or there will be interested parties who would like to buy him.
“There is already interest from France and Italy. I know Vaclav’s ambitions; To return to one of the top five leagues in Europe.”
Europa League prize money could put ball in Cerny’s court
It’s previously been reported in Germany that Rangers cannot afford Wolfsburg’s £8m Vaclav Cerny asking price.
Whilst the player’s agent describes a move as ‘unlikely’, there are a few moving cogs which could change the financial complexion at Ibrox.
The first is the imminent US takeover at Rangers that will see the club receive fresh investment from across the Atlantic ahead of next season.
How big an impact this will have on Rangers’ transfer dealings remains to be seen but there will be substantial change led by the club’s new leadership.
Rangers’ progress in the Europa League could also play a crucial part in any Vaclav Cerny negotiations.
If Rangers can reach the final in Bilbao, the club stands to make €16.57m (£13.9m) in UEFA prize money alone. If the club wins the competition it’s €20.77m (£17.4m).
Not only is that more than enough to cover the £8m cost of signing Vaclav Cerny permanently, but automatic qualification for the Champions League is also worth a guaranteed €18.62m (£15.6m).
With a minimum guaranteed £33m up for grabs should Rangers win the Europa League, suddenly a move for Vaclav Cerny doesn’t look like such a long-shot after all.
At least financially.
If the Czech winger can keep up his good form in the Europa League and fire the Ibrox club to glory then it may well come down to his personal preference.
Cerny has previously discussed his Rangers future and insists no decisions will be made until the end of the season.
