adminGlasgow Rangers have already been active in the summer transfer market, strengthening Derek McInnes’ squad with several new arrivals.
However, the club’s recruitment is far from complete as they continue searching for a left-footed centre-back, an additional central midfielder and a right-sided winger before the transfer window closes.
One player firmly on Rangers’ radar is Besiktas winger Vaclav Cerny. The Czech international spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Ibrox from Wolfsburg before completing a permanent move to the Turkish side last summer.
Besiktas are now reportedly demanding around £6 million for the 28-year-old, matching the fee they paid to sign him, although Rangers have yet to decide whether they are willing to meet that valuation.
Why Rangers should sign Vaclav Cerny
Rangers have a clear need for a naturally left-footed winger capable of operating from the right flank, particularly following the departure of Andreas Skov Olsen after his loan spell ended. Last season, none of the club’s wide players managed to reach double figures for Scottish Premiership goals, leaving the team without a consistent attacking threat from the wings.
Cerny would immediately address that issue. During his previous spell at Ibrox, he scored 12 Premiership goals, averaging one every 208 minutes, while also producing six goals in 12 Europa League appearances. Those numbers underline his ability to deliver consistently in both domestic and European competition.
Having already adapted to Scottish football and the demands of playing for Rangers, Cerny represents a low-risk addition. His experience, proven goalscoring record and suitability to McInnes’ tactical approach make him an ideal option to strengthen the right wing, giving Rangers every reason to consider paying Besiktas’ £6 million asking price..
Rangers already have a winger valued even higher
Although £6 million is a significant investment, it looks like excellent value when compared to Rangers’ valuation of another attacking player, Djeidi Gassama.
The club reportedly rejected a £10 million offer from Monaco in January, believing the Mauritania international was worth more than the Ligue 1 side’s proposal. That valuation highlights Rangers’ confidence in Gassama’s long-term potential, despite Cerny having already produced stronger numbers in Scottish football.
Gassama registered eight combined goals and assists in the Premiership during his debut campaign, only half of Cerny’s total from the 2024/25 season. While that comparison strengthens the case for signing Cerny, it also illustrates how successful Rangers’ investment in Gassama has already become.
Former sporting director Kevin Thelwell secured the winger from Sheffield Wednesday for just £2.2 million, and he made an immediate impact by scoring four goals in six Champions League qualifying matches. Although his scoring rate slowed later in the campaign, he still finished the season with nine goals and six assists across 56 appearances in all competitions.
Fifteen goal contributions in a demanding first season at Ibrox is an impressive return, especially for a player still adapting to a higher level. At just 22 years old, Gassama has significant room for development, and Rangers believe his market value will continue to rise.
While Cerny may not possess the same long-term potential because of his age, he offers immediate quality and proven productivity. Bringing him back to Ibrox for £6 million, alongside the highly rated Gassama, could give Rangers one of the strongest wide attacking options in the Scottish Premiership as they aim to challenge for the title next season.
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