Free transfer: Champions League forward “more dangerous than Neymar” is open to joining Rangers
Glasgow Rangers may be on the brink of a significant addition to their attacking line, with seasoned Dutch striker Luuk de Jong reportedly open to making a move to Ibrox. The club, currently guided by manager Russell Martin under the watchful eye of 49ers Enterprises, is preparing for a pivotal Champions League qualifier against Greek giants Panathinaikos. With ambitions of reclaiming domestic glory and returning to Europe’s elite competition, the potential arrival of a player with de Jong’s pedigree could be a game-changing development.
Rangers’ attacking department may soon face a major reshuffle. Both Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane are strongly linked with exits this summer. Dessers has been negotiating with AEK Athens, reportedly agreeing to personal terms worth £30,000 per week, although the two clubs have yet to finalize a transfer fee, with Rangers rejecting a £4.5 million offer. Meanwhile, Igamane has also reached personal terms with French side Lille, but an agreement on the transfer sum remains pending. If both forwards leave, Rangers will be in urgent need of reinforcements to stay competitive across all fronts.
One name now emerging as a possible solution is Luuk de Jong. The experienced forward, who is set to become a free agent when his contract with PSV Eindhoven expires, is reportedly considering a switch to Scotland. De Jong, who captained PSV during the 2024–25 campaign and featured prominently in their Champions League run, might be looking for a new challenge as he enters the twilight of his career. With PSV prioritizing Ricardo Pepi as their main striker next season, the 34-year-old’s departure seems increasingly likely.
De Jong boasts an impressive résumé across some of Europe’s top leagues. Throughout his career, he has netted 290 goals in all competitions, featuring for clubs like Sevilla, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Barcelona, and Newcastle United. He’s particularly known for his aerial prowess, having scored over 100 goals with his head. Former Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman even once described him as “more dangerous than Neymar” in the air, highlighting his unique threat in the box—something Rangers could heavily benefit from.
With Ibrox potentially waving goodbye to two key attackers, De Jong’s availability presents a timely opportunity. His experience, physicality, and goal-scoring instinct could be a perfect fit for Rangers’ high-stakes European aspirations and domestic resurgence. If the move materializes, it would not only fill a pressing void up front but also add a wealth of international pedigree to the squad as they prepare for a defining season ahead.
