The next Morelos: Rangers open talks to sign £4m "beast" for Martin
Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has a massive task ahead of him, there is no doubt.
His first few interviews since being unveiled as the new Ibrox boss have been positive, and it is clear the former Southampton manager has a distinct style of play.
This is something that the club have lacked under previous managers, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement. Those two set up teams well in Europe, but domestically was a different story.
It may well be the opposite in Martin’s case. But given how poor the Gers have been in the Premiership since winning the title in 2021, this could well be a sacrifice many of the supporters are willing to make.
Martin will need every department to click at the start of next season, as a good start is imperative.
He needs his defence to be solid and reliable. A midfield full of players simultaneously able to win the ball back and move it forwards into the final third, and a front three able to get the better of a low block and take their chances.
In that regard, having someone of Alfredo Morelos’ ability would work wonders next season, especially as he would shine in Martin’s system.
Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics
The Colombian talisman was a scourge for defenders, both domestically and in Europe, across his five years at Ibrox.
Between 2018 and 2023, he played 269 matches for the Light Blues, scoring an impressive tally of 124 goals for the club. Add in another 57 assists, and it is clear that Morelos was not only a clinical finisher, but he was also able to link play with those alongside and behind him.
Not since he departed have Rangers been able to call on a player with these abilities. Sure, Cyriel Dessers may have scored 51 times in just over 100 games, but the Nigerian striker often takes two or three chances to get on the scoresheet.
Morelos refined his game after a productive opening few seasons at Ibrox. Indeed, when the club won the domestic title during 2020/21, Morelos ‘only’ scored 11 league goals.
He played slightly deeper than in previous seasons, linking up with the likes of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in order to create chances for them too.
Danilo has shown glimpses of his deep-lying abilities when given a chance, but the Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run in the team to make a proper difference.
In Morelos, Rangers had a striker who established himself as a cult icon during his spell at Ibrox.
If Martin wishes to get the fans onside quickly, signing a player who is similar in style and stature to Morelos might be a good start.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2022/23
45
12
7
2021/22
42
18
8
2020/21
44
17
13
2019/20
47
29
9
2018/19
48
30
12
2017/18
43
18
8
He could well have some money to spend this summer thanks to the 49ers investment. This should allow the new manager to bring in several transfer targets, which will bolster the squad.
Could his first signing be a young striker who is ready to take the next step in his career?
Rangers search for a new striker
While Dessers, Danilo and Hamza Igamane are all options for Martin, it is likely one is sold this summer.
Now, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have made Maccabi Tel Aviv centre-forward Dor Turgeman their number one target this summer.
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The youngster could be available for a fee in the region of £4m, and reports from Israel claim that the Glasgow side have already opened talks with the player regarding a move to Scotland.
Getting deals done over the line quickly will be key for Martin, especially as the Gers face a Champions League qualifier in six weeks.
Could Turgeman be a dream first signing? He certainly has all the tools required to succeed in Europe.
Why Rangers must sign Dor Turgeman
Last season, the highest scorer for the club was Dessers with 29 goals across all competitions. The next best tally from a striker was 16 by Igamane. While Danilo could only muster six goals through another injury-ravaged campaign.
Adding in another player who has the ability to score 20 or more goals next season is vital, especially if Martin wishes to challenge for the league title.
On that note, Turgeman would be an ideal signing this summer. The 2024/25 campaign was arguably his breakout for the Israeli side. Across 44 matches, the 21-year-old netted 20 goals and grabbed six assists for his club side.
He was praised by analyst Kai Watson as far back as February 2024, who said: “He’s played mostly as a striker but can definitely do a job on the wing. He’s quick, agile and has brilliant balance when driving with the ball.
“A very exciting player to watch and one that would have fans off of their seats.”
Last season certainly proved exactly what he can do and now is the chance for him to make a move and perform at a club like Rangers.
The club needs players who are willing to fight for every ball and win every duel. His manager, Zarko Lazetić, claimed that Turgeman was a “beast on the pitch”, and this sort of profile fits in with Martin’s style.
Like Morelos, the Israeli striker is capable of dropping deeper and generating chances for his team. Indeed, in the top flight last term, Turgeman created ten big chances for Maccabi, while he also recorded three assists and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.
For a fee of £4m, it is evident that Rangers would be getting a striker who closely resembles Morelos, perhaps without the disciplinary issues.
By selling Dessers in the coming weeks, Martin will be able to clear room for the youngster, who will be hoping to make his mark on Scottish football.
If the new owners and manager are serious about taking Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, signing Turgeman should be a priority. That’s a certainty.
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