Liverpool and Arsenal learn 'very high clause' to sign '23 Gers-linked striker

09/13/2024 06:30 AM

Rangers have struggled to find a striker who they could rely on domestically, in Europe and on big occasions like Old Firm games.

Alfredo Morelos had his moments being an Ibrox hero, however, his record against Celtic and at Hampden leaves a lot to be desired. 

Antonio Colak looked like he knew where the goal was before a change of manager saw him become a peripheral figure. 

• READ MORE:Rangers Net Transfer Spend Summer 2024

Rangers miss the boat again as Viktor Gyokeres eyed by giants

When Michael Beale brrought Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Sam Lammers to Rangers, it was £14m spent that was expected to make a difference in the same summer that a player now valued at £84m was linked to Rangers. 

Identifying players doesn't seem to have been an issue in recent years, it's that Rangers can't persuade them to come to the SPFL or afford them.

In the case of Viktor Gyokeres, it was the latter.

The Sweden international looked destined for the Premier League after his goal scoring form for Coventry City.

Instead, Sporting Lisbon swooped and paid the £18.75m asking price and are now reaping the benefits.

With 50 goals and 18 assists in 50 games in Portugal, the 26-year old is attracting top level interest in England from Arsenal and Liverpool according to HITC with Sporting boss Ruben Amiron knowing how the Swede must feel:

"The first time I spoke at Alvalade, I said that I never believed they would pay that much for me. (Gyokeres) must feel the same," Amorim tells CNN Portugal.

"It's a very high clause. 

"Gyokeres is a great player and I think he's worth 100 million euros. That's the price he has and we have to go ahead with it. Whoever wants to (sign him) will have to pay 100 million euros."

Amiron had a £10m release clause when he was in charge at Braga which Sporting were more than willing to pay.

Rangers need to scout the next Gyokeres before they catch fire

If Arsenal and Liverpool are serious, they know exactly how much they will need to cough up.

Gyokeres is said to be keen on a new contract that would make it easier to leave Sporting and with a cheaper release clause.

Like Rangers though, the boat has been missed in terms of picking Gyokeres up on a bargain deal.

For perspective, both Brighton and Coventry City paid around the £1m mark for the prolific bagsman's services.

Rangers need to find a way of discovering this type of player before they make a name for themselves.

By the time they have scored 20 goals or more a season in England, it is already too late.