Rangers returned to Ibrox for pre-season action on Sunday, playing out a 2-2 draw. With Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers unavailable, Danilo led the attack but with both Igamane and Dessers linked to potential exits this summer, questions remain about who will lead the line come September.
As a result, Rangers are reportedly in the market for a new striker, and they may be closing in on a high-profile option.
According to Leicester Mercury journalist Josh Holland, Rangers are now the leading contenders to sign veteran forward Jamie Vardy, who is a free agent after leaving Leicester City at the end of June. Although Italian side Genoa had shown interest, manager Patrick Vieira reportedly opted against the move giving Rangers a prime opportunity.
Vardy Could Be Martin’s Own Jermaine Defoe
If the Light Blues land Vardy, manager Russell Martin could have his own version of Jermaine Defoe. Defoe joined Rangers in 2019 at age 36 and proved to still be highly effective, scoring 32 goals in 74 appearances including four goals in 15 league games during the club’s 2020/21 title-winning campaign.
Similarly, Vardy, now 38, remains a proven threat. Over the past two seasons with Leicester, he scored 27 goals 18 in the Championship-winning 2023/24 season and nine more in the Premier League in 2024/25. Though he slightly underperformed his expected goals (xG) last term, he consistently found dangerous positions and continued to contribute with goals and assists.
A “Sensational” Option for Rangers
Once praised by former manager Brendan Rodgers for his “sensational” movement, Vardy’s experience and natural goal-scoring instincts could make him a major asset for Rangers especially in a squad competing for trophies.
If the deal goes through, Vardy could give Martin the same kind of reliable, seasoned striker Defoe once was a player capable of making a big impact in the Scottish Premiership despite his age.
