49ers could axe Cerny by splashing £10m to sign exciting Rangers target

Glasgow Rangers may have enjoyed a 4-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock in what was Barry Ferguson’s first game of his interim spell in charge, but there are more pressing matters on the horizon.

The Ibrox side are in the midst of a potential takeover bid by 49ers Enterprises, which could happen within the next few months.

Paraag Marathe – the current chairman of Leeds United – is the head of 49ers Enterprises and a deal has reportedly been agreed in principle.

It will be an anxious wait for the Ibrox faithful, as this won’t be completed until June at the earliest, but if everything goes to plan, the Gers could be in for a major boost ahead of next season.

There have been very few bright sparks throughout the current campaign. With the Light Blues suffering defeat in the League Cup final and in the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park, while trailing Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, domestic silverware won’t be won this term.

Hamza Igamane has emerged as a key player for the club, just months after signing as a relatively unknown striker from Morocco. 13 goals in 30 games is certainly an impressive record.

Another summer arrival who has played a key part throughout the 2024/25 campaign is Vaclav Cerny. The Czech winger joined on a season-long loan deal from German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

While much was expected of him, it is evident that the player has gone above and beyond these expectations during his spell in Glasgow.

Vaclav Cerny’s Rangers statistics

Last season, Philippe Clement had to rely on Scott Wright and Ross McCausland on the right flank. The pair scored just eight goals between them all campaign.

An upgrade was desperately required last summer, and in came Cerny. Fresh off a season where he netted four Bundesliga goals in 22 games for the German side, it was obvious that the winger would be a major improvement on those at Clement’s disposal.

By the end of February, Cerny had found the back of the net 15 times across 40 appearances for the Ibrox side, while helping himself to seven assists.

In the Premiership alone, the Czech international had registered three shots per game, along with creating six big chances, averaging 2.5 key passes and succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per match in the top flight.

He is effective, no doubt about that. Despite this form, it looks likely that the Gers will be priced out of a permanent move by his parent club, who are demanding a fee of around £8m – the same as what they paid for him – in order to secure his services.

Considering his age and the fact his valuation will decrease, it doesn’t make much sense paying this sort of fee.

However, could 49ers Enterprises perhaps find better value in a player who the club were reportedly previously linked with – sealing a dream first signing in the process this summer?

The £10m Cerny replacement Rangers could sign

Last year, The Boot Room journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Rangers were showing interest in FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, along with Celtic, Aston Villa, Brentford and Newcastle United.

During the summer transfer window, the Danish side had valued their star player at around £10m due to his performances and potential.

The Chilean has been praised by former Arsenal sensation Alexis Sanchez, who dubbed him a player with “a lot of personality“, while comparing him to some big names in Chilean football like Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel.

High praise indeed from one of the very best players Chile has produced. Could Osorio be the high-profile signing the new manager must make this summer to get the supporters onside?

Why Rangers should sign Dario Osorio

In 2022, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Osorio a “flamboyant winger” while also stating he was similar in style to Ángel Di María.

Since moving to Denmark from his home country in 2023, Osorio has scored 13 goals in 52 appearances, notching up three assists in the process.

This goalscoring threat from the right flank could be crucial for the new boss, especially with Cerny returning to his parent club at the end of the season.

Osorio can play in a multitude of positions, as he has featured on the left wing, in attacking midfield, and even as a centre-forward during the embryonic stages of his career.

He only turned 21 in January and is exactly the sort of player the Gers must target. Not only could he make a big difference to the squad at present, but his wonderful potential means they may be able to rake in a significant profit if he was to leave for a ‘big 5’ league.

The Chilean youngster has particularly impressed in the Europa League this season. Across eight matches for Midtjylland, he has not only scored three goals, but also averages 0.8 key passes per game and succeeds with 1.8 dribbles per match in Europe’s secondary competition.

These attacking statistics are certainly impressive, but the 21-year-old can also offer plenty of defensive support to his team during games.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Europa League this season, Osorio ranks in the top 4% for interceptions (1.55) per 90 along with ranking in the top 13% for tackles (2.82) per 90, showing his desire to contribute elsewhere on the pitch.

This all-round ability could see him thrive in Scotland. It is evident he isn’t afraid of getting stuck into challenges on a regular basis. With the physicality of Scottish football ensuring certain players from abroad struggled to cope, Osorio appears to have all the required tools in his locker to shine.

It might cost the Light Blues a pretty penny to bring him in this summer, but if the 49ers want to make an instant impression, signing Osorio could be the right way to go about it.