One of the more intriguing connections from earlier in the Rangers transfer window was Adama Traore.
A deal for the Ferencvaros winger was discussed at the start of the summer, but concerns have been raised about what is thought to be a lack of required activity in Glasgow’s southside.
According to reports from Africa, Rangers were in “advanced” talks to recruit Adama Traore for the upcoming summer.
However, news of the 29-year-old Malian international Traore has essentially remained radio silent since those £3.5 million transfer allegations surfaced.
Rangers’ name has been linked to the wide player once more, but it looks like the Ibrox team will have fierce competition for Traore’s Champions League skills.
Rangers will play in the Champions League.
A few years ago, Adama Traore was instrumental in Sheriff Tiraspol’s Champions League expedition.
Even though the Hungarians were eliminated from the group stage, the winger scored several goals throughout qualification and repeated the performance with Ferencvaros a few seasons prior.
Links to Traore seem to make a lot of sense as Rangers aim to advance to the redesigned tournament this summer.
However, it seems that other Champions League contenders are also considering hiring the Malian due to his significant expertise.
Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce, who might face Rangers in the Champions League qualifying round, hired Jose Mourinho as their new manager this summer.
Now, a report from Turkey via A Spor claims that Traore, dubbed “Malouda” after former Chelsea player Florent Malouda, is being pursued by the Turks for an initial €3 million (£2.5 million) signing fee.
The winger’s €5 million (£4.2 million) release clause is allegedly something Ferencvaros is waiting for a team to activate, according to sources in Africa.
It’s interesting to note that Rangers is included in the article as a “interested” party, and it seems the two Champions League contenders are vying for the winger before the new campaign begins.
Traore at the crossroads of transfer
The way the team has handled transfers thus far this summer has definitely made Rangers supporters a little uneasy.
Even if there are many new faces on the team, Philippe Clement is adamant that the striking lack of experience will be solved.
Fans of Rangers are growing impatient as the team departs for a training camp in the Netherlands this week and appears to be severely lacking in depth.
Bringing in Adama Traore, a 56-cap Malian international with a wealth of experience and skill, would undoubtedly calm fears.
Despite an injury that ended his season, Traore scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 27 games during the previous campaign.
But it looks like Rangers may have a difficult time closing a deal given the allure of Jose Mourinho and the high salaries at Fenerbahce.
Before they can move on, the Turks might also need to get rid of one former Rangers attacker.
Ryan Kent, a former Ibrox winger, has been connected to a Premier League comeback.
