The extent of Rangers’ interest in Arif Aiman Hanapi remains unclear at this stage—or even if the Scottish Premiership giants are actively pursuing him at all.
However, while more clarity is needed before the 22-year-old can be regarded as a genuine Rangers target for the January transfer window, performances like his recent standout display will undoubtedly boost his chances of securing a move to Europe.
Reports linking Rangers with the Malaysian international surfaced about a month ago, originating from the New Straits Times in Hanapi’s homeland. Though far from a household name in Glasgow—or anywhere in Europe, for that matter—Hanapi’s impressive track record suggests he could quickly make a name for himself in a more competitive environment.
Admittedly, the Malaysian Super League is a far cry from the Scottish Premiership, but Hanapi’s stunning hat-trick against Kuala Lumpur City demonstrated his undeniable talent. Single-handedly leading Johor Darul Ta’zim to a 3-0 victory, Hanapi took his season tally to 14 goals in 24 games. His first goal was a clinical finish drilled into the bottom corner, while his second was a spectacular 30-yard strike that swerved its way into the top corner—a reminder to defenders that giving him space to shoot could prove costly. He completed his hat-trick with a powerful penalty, sealing his “sensational” performance as described by Malaysian outlet Bernama, while FootBoom called it “extraordinary.”
Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Hector Bidoglio, a former Venezuelan international, praised Hanapi’s exceptional form, emphasizing his standout abilities. “He was phenomenal—not just for the hat-trick but for his overall contribution in both attack and defence,” Bidoglio said. “It’s great to see him performing so well, given the effort he puts in to improve every day. He’s clearly our best player.”
While Hanapi might be described as a “big fish in a small pond,” his potential could make him a valuable addition to Rangers, especially as the club looks to strengthen its wing options. With Vaclav Cerny on loan from Wolfsburg and both Rabbi Matondo and Oscar Cortes struggling with injuries, signing a winger is expected to be a priority for 2025. Rangers have been linked with Fenerbahce’s Oguz Aydin, while a potential move for Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku may be off the table due to an injury.
Hanapi might not be the most obvious name among Rangers’ targets, but based on his recent performances, he could be one of the most intriguing.
