As is often the case when takeover rumors emerge, news of potential American investment at Ibrox has sparked dreams of a brighter future among the Rangers faithful.
Former Rangers striker Gordon Dalziel believes the involvement of the San Francisco 49ers could be the key to helping Rangers challenge Celtic for dominance in Scottish football once again.
Meanwhile, Kris Boyd argues that the entire Scottish Premiership could benefit from the added capital and intrigue. With clubs like Hearts, Hibernian, and Aberdeen showing signs of resurgence, Boyd describes this as an “exciting time for Scottish football.”
Could Rangers soon be targeting a higher caliber of player with Paraag Marathe and Red Bull potentially on board? Could Vaclav Cerny, currently on loan from Wolfsburg, become a permanent fixture at Ibrox?
Reports from Germany suggest that Rangers currently cannot afford Wolfsburg’s £7 million asking price for Cerny. After the disappointment of losing Malik Tillman and Abdallah Sima in consecutive summers, fans are wary of history repeating itself for a third time.
Rangers Linked with Malaysian Star Arif Aiman Hanapi Amid Vaclav Cerny Doubts
In light of the uncertainty surrounding Cerny’s future, several potential replacements have emerged in the media.
Rangers could revisit their interest in Joe Gelhardt in the coming months, especially with the 49ers’ connection to Leeds United. However, the club’s recent recruitment strategy has focused on uncovering hidden gems from less traditional markets. One such player is Arif Aiman Hanapi, a dynamic right-winger making waves for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in Malaysia.
In 35 appearances for JDT this season, Hanapi has racked up an impressive 18 goals and 14 assists. Following links to Rangers, he further showcased his talent with a “sensational” hat-trick in December, including a stunning long-range strike reminiscent of Cerny’s best moments in Scotland and the Netherlands.
Hanapi Speaks Out, Emphasizing Patience Over Immediate Move
However, in an interview with Lumi News, Hanapi made it clear that a transfer is not his immediate priority. At just 22 years old, he is content to continue developing at JDT for now, believing that a move to Europe can wait.
“My long-term goal is to continue to improve the quality of my game and continue to play at the highest level for JDT,” Hanapi explained. “I need to keep working hard to be where I am today. I think my level is still not enough, so I will continue to try and aim for a higher level.
“My dream since I was little was to become a successful soccer player. So far, I have received great support, especially from my parents, who have supported me and prayed for my success since I was little.
“The Sultan of Johor has been very supportive and played a role in my development at JDT as well.
“I will continue to work hard because my mentality is to always improve myself. My heroes and role models are my family members who always support me.”
A Potential Nightmare Scenario for Rangers
In a worst-case scenario, the San Francisco 49ers’ takeover fails to materialize, leaving Rangers financially constrained in the transfer market once again. This could result in Vaclav Cerny returning to Wolfsburg, with no replacement of similar quality secured.
If this unfortunate situation unfolds, Rangers may not even have the consolation of signing one of the most exciting attacking talents outside of European football, as Hanapi appears committed to staying put for the time being.
