Rangers FC plotting cut‑price raid for Hull City star – Russell Martin has wanted him before
Rangers are reportedly poised to reignite their swoop for Hull City’s 21‑year‑old winger, Abu Kamara, marking another strategic bid by head coach Russell Martin to bolster his attacking ranks on a budget. Despite bringing in Djeidi Gassama from Sheffield Wednesday for approximately £2.5 million, Ibrox insiders suggest Martin remains keen to reunite with Kamara, a player he watched closely during his time at Norwich and Southampton .
Why Kamara fits the Martin blueprint
Kamara, who broke through at Norwich before excelling on loan with Portsmouth—scoring eight goals and ten assists en route to their 2023–24 League One title—ticks many boxes for Martin. A former Norwich youth, skin-deep familiarity makes him an attractive target, especially for an attack-minded coach accustomed to working closely with the English player development system .
Having already impressed last term with eight combined league goals and assists for Hull, Kamara brings raw pace, directness, and forward thrust to any squad. His versatility to play across the front line aligns with Martin’s preference for fluid, high-pressing systems .
Cut‑price advantage amid Hull’s financial strain
Hull City’s severe financial constraints—such as a transfer cap and looming restrictions—have placed them in a precarious market position. Reports from Sky Sports and Ibrox News highlight how Rangers are leveraging this to pursue Kamara on the cheap, with the current valuation believed to fall well beneath the £4.5 million Hull paid Norwich last summer .
Insiders claim Rangers, backed by their new 49ers Enterprises ownership, are deploying a “ruthless” shopping strategy, targeting young talents trapped in clubs under duress and snapping them up for gale‑price deals .
Strategic squad reshaping by Martin
This move forms part of a broader Martin-led revamp designed to inject youth, energy, and flexibility into Rangers’ flanks. Following the arrival of Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and the near acquisition of Jesurun Rak‑Sakyi and Samuel Edozie, the addition of Kamara would further deepen their wing options .
Martin understands the need for early signings ahead of the Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos on July 22, aiming to integrate recruits swiftly into his tactical blueprint .
Potential hurdles
That said, Rangers face intense competition. Pompey, where Kamara gained substantial acclaim, reportedly retained an interest, although they couldn’t afford a permanent move . Furthermore, Hull may still seek to recoup a near-term profit based on add-ons and resale potential, making price negotiations delicate .
Conclusion
Rangers are structuring a focused, value-driven approach to recruitment this summer, central to which is Abu Kamara. As Russell Martin looks to build a dynamic, high‑energy frontline, Kamara emerges as a familiar face with untapped potential. Whether Rangers can seal a deal before rival suitors emerge will likely depend on Hull’s mounting fiscal strain and the Gers’ readiness to strike.
