Ibrox transfer twist: Rangers may secure £10m striker rated above Chermiti and Naderi

Rangers F.C. endured mixed fortunes in attack last season, with both Youssef Chermiti and Ryan Naderi struggling to consistently deliver the clinical edge required at Ibrox.

Chermiti arrived in Glasgow last summer in an £8 million move from Everton F.C. carrying high expectations, but his opening months in Scotland proved difficult.

The Portuguese forward managed only two goals during the first half of the campaign, prompting concerns that Rangers may have overspent on a striker struggling to adapt to the demands of Scottish football.

However, the 21-year-old managed to turn things around after the winter break. Chermiti rediscovered his confidence and form, netting 13 of his 15 goals in the Scottish Premiership during the second half of the season. His resurgence included standout performances, with hat-tricks against Hearts and Falkirk showcasing his attacking potential.

Despite ending the campaign strongly, questions remain over his efficiency in front of goal. The Portugal Under-21 international finished the season having missed more major chances than he converted, recording 23 big chances missed compared to his total of 15 goals across all competitions. That inconsistency in front of goal has reportedly encouraged Rangers to explore alternative options ahead of the summer transfer window.

In an effort to strengthen their attacking department, Rangers also recruited Naderi from German side F.C. Hansa Rostock. Yet the striker found it equally difficult to establish himself as a reliable goalscorer. Across nine league appearances, he managed only one goal while missing five significant opportunities, leaving doubts over whether he possesses the quality required to lead the line regularly for the Light Blues.

As a result, head coach Danny Röhl and Rangers’ recruitment team are believed to be considering a more proven centre-forward capable of improving the team’s finishing issues.

Reports from TEAMtalk claim Rangers are among several clubs showing interest in Joel Piroe, with the striker potentially available during the upcoming transfer window. The Leeds United forward is reportedly valued between £8 million and £10 million, a figure similar to the fee Rangers paid to sign Chermiti last year.

Competition for Piroe’s signature is expected, however. Championship clubs including Middlesbrough F.C., Stoke City F.C. and Birmingham City F.C. are also believed to be monitoring the striker’s situation, with interest growing over a possible move.

According to the report, Röhl sees Piroe as a player capable of addressing Rangers’ recurring problems in front of goal. The Dutch-born striker’s record in the Championship suggests he could provide the consistency currently missing at Ibrox.

Although his appearances in the Premier League have been limited, Piroe’s performances during previous seasons with Leeds United F.C. and Swansea City A.F.C. paint a far clearer picture of his quality. Over recent years in the Championship, he has built a reputation as a dependable finisher who regularly converts chances and rarely wastes clear opportunities in front of goal.

Praised as “clinical” by journalist Josh Bunting, Piroe has consistently delivered strong scoring numbers. His record shows an impressive return of goals compared to missed big chances, highlighting a level of efficiency that Rangers’ current forwards have struggled to match.

The 26-year-old scored 73 Championship goals from an expected goals tally of 60.23, underlining his ability to outperform statistical expectations and finish chances at an elite level. By comparison, neither Chermiti nor Naderi have produced numbers close to that level during their senior careers.

For Rangers, a move for Piroe could represent more than just squad depth. It could be an attempt to secure a proven goalscorer capable of transforming their attacking output and giving Röhl the dependable striker he believes is needed to challenge for silverware next season.

Whether Rangers decide to formalise their interest remains unclear, but the reported admiration for Piroe suggests the club are actively searching for a more ruthless presence up front as they prepare for another important summer rebuild.