Rangers are pushing to finalize multiple deals before the transfer deadline, with striker Oumar Diakite among their late targets.
Cyriel Dessers is expected to join Panathinaikos, following the departure of fellow forward Hamza Igamane from Ibrox. The club has already secured two replacements: Youssef Chermiti, whose record-breaking transfer is nearly complete, and Bojan Miovski, who arrived from Girona.
Diakite was also on Rangers’ radar as an additional attacking option, with advanced negotiations taking place and the player having passed his medical examination.
Rangers miss out on Oumar Diakite
Rangers have missed out on signing Oumar Diakite, as the striker has agreed to join another club. According to Sacha Tavolieri, Cercle Brugge are poised to take Diakite on loan with an option to buy, and the player has already passed his medical.
Diakite scored four goals in 26 Ligue 1 appearances for Stade de Reims last season and has also netted twice in 15 senior caps for the Ivory Coast national team.
Reports suggested Rangers were asking for around £8.6 million for Diakite, which may have caused frustration since the player appeared to be available on a loan deal without long-term commitment.
With Diakite out of reach, Rangers will now rely on Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski as their primary striking options for the season, putting pressure on manager Russell Martin to maximize their impact.
Oumar Diakite Might Have Outperformed Youssef Chermiti
Diakite’s loan move to Cercle Brugge includes an option to buy, making it a lower-risk decision compared to Rangers’ record-breaking purchase of Chermiti.
Although Chermiti is the same age as Diakite, he has less experience in top-tier leagues, fewer senior goals, and lacks international caps—unlike the Ivorian forward.
While Kevin Thelwell may believe that the significant investment in Chermiti will pay off, if the striker struggles to adapt quickly, many may regret not opting for the safer loan option with Diakite.
