Rangers turn attention to Ibrahima Balde after completing Kim Min-su deal

Rangers target Ibrahima Balde as striker search continues after Kim Min-su breakthrough

Rangers are reportedly considering a move for Rodez AF forward Ibrahima Balde as they continue their search for another striker before the Scottish transfer window closes on September 3.

Derek McInnes is keen to add further firepower to his attacking options, with Ryan Naderi, Lawrence Shankland and Bojan Miovski currently providing his main choices in the final third.

The need for additional cover up front has become more pressing following Youssef Chermiti’s season-ending injury. The Portuguese striker had previously been linked with a lucrative move to Galatasaray but suffered the setback during Rangers’ meeting with Hibernian earlier this month.

Rangers have now turned their attention towards France’s second tier, with Balde emerging as a potential target after the latest developments surrounding their pursuit of Girona winger Kim Min-su.

Rangers close in on Kim Min-su

Rangers have enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, with McInnes already bringing 11 new players into his squad.

That number is expected to rise to 12 shortly, with Kim reportedly closing in on a move to Ibrox.

Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that Rangers have reached an agreement with Girona over an initial £8.5 million fee, with a further £1.7 million potentially payable through add-ons.

Kim is also understood to be set to sign a five-year contract, with his medical and other formalities still to be completed.

However, Tavolieri subsequently revealed that Rangers have already identified their next potential target, with 23-year-old Balde emerging as the current leading candidate.

No formal offer has been submitted for the Rodez striker at this stage, but Balde is reportedly regarded as the “frontrunner”, with the potential move described as “one to watch.”

Who is Ibrahima Balde?

Balde is a relatively unfamiliar name to many Rangers supporters, but the 23-year-old has recently put himself firmly on the radar with an eye-catching performance in Ligue 2.

The Senegal-born forward scored a stunning hat-trick last weekend as Rodez secured an impressive 5-2 victory over Nantes.

Balde developed through the Lens academy and broke into their senior setup in 2021 before subsequently spending time on loan at Annecy.

His performances eventually earned him a permanent transfer to Rodez in 2024, where he has continued to develop his reputation as an attacking threat.

He also has international experience, having represented France at Under-17 level in 2019.

With Rangers still looking for another central striker following Chermiti’s injury, Balde could now become an increasingly important name in the club’s plans before deadline day.