Turgeman Fee ‘Agreed’ as Rangers Await Striker Exit to Unlock Transfer
Rangers are edging closer to the signing of Israeli striker Dor Turgeman, with reports indicating the Ibrox club are ready to meet Maccabi Tel Aviv’s £5million valuation. However, any formal move for the highly-rated forward is understood to be on hold until a striker exits the club.
Record Sport first revealed Rangers’ interest in the 20-year-old earlier this summer as Russell Martin looks to reshape his attacking options for the season ahead. Sources now suggest that a deal in principle has been reached, but it will not be completed until either Cyriel Dessers or Hamza Igamane is moved on.
Turgeman has made no secret of his ambitions to play in Europe’s top leagues, with the Scottish Premiership emerging as his preferred destination. Speaking earlier this month, he said:
“Right now I’m here [at Maccabi]. Of course everyone wants to fulfil their dream in Europe and we’ll see what happens. I’m ready to take on the next challenge.”
That next challenge could come at Ibrox, but the move hinges on Rangers creating space in the squad and freeing up funds — particularly amid a transfer stand-off involving Hamza Igamane and growing interest in Dessers from mainland Europe.
French side Lille have been strongly linked with Igamane, who hit 16 goals last season, but negotiations have stalled after Rangers slapped a £15million price tag on the Moroccan international. The valuation appears to have given the Ligue 1 outfit cold feet, with their attention now reportedly shifting to alternative targets.
Meanwhile, Cyriel Dessers could prove the key to unlocking the Turgeman deal. Greek giants AEK Athens have submitted a £4.5million bid for the Nigerian striker and are believed to be preparing an improved offer. Reports from Greece suggest the Super League club are ready to apply “pressure” on Rangers, with a contract worth £1.5million per year already drawn up for the 29-year-old.
Dessers, who was Rangers’ top scorer last term, has also been attracting attention from his former club Feyenoord, although AEK appear to be leading the race at present.
Should either striker depart in the coming days, Rangers will be in position to push through the signing of Turgeman, who is seen as a long-term prospect to lead the line under Martin. His technical ability, movement off the ball and eye for goal have impressed scouts, and he would represent a statement of intent as the club begins a new era under its revamped leadership structure.As the summer window intensifies, the striker carousel at Ibrox continues to turn. But all signs point to Dor Turgeman being next through the door — provided Rangers can clear the way.
