Rangers Eyeing Summer Swoop For This Out-of-contract Attacker: A Replacement For Cerny? | OneFootball

In one of their recent reports, the Rangers Review has revealed the Light Blues’ interest in Kwame Poku. However, the Glasgow giants are not alone in the hunt, with newly promoted Championship outfit Birmingham City, as well as clubs in France and Germany, keeping close tabs on the former Peterborough United attacking ace, who is available on a Bosman.

The 23-year-old England-born Ghana international spent his initial years with semi-professional outfits Cray Wanderers and Worthing before being roped in by League Two outfit Colchester United upon a successful trial. He soon secured a starting spot for the U’s and was eventually snapped up by Peterborough, then in the Championship, for £250,000 in the summer of 2021.

After an initial sporadic status, Poku showed his excellence high up the pitch in League One. He enjoyed a productive 2024-25 season, despite missing months of action due to a hamstring strain. With 12 goals and 11 assists in 31 outings, the youngster is now ready for the next career step.

OXFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 04: Kwame Poku of Peterborough United runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Cameron Brannagan of Oxford United during the Sky Bet League One Play-Off Semi Final 1st Leg match between Oxford United and Peterborough United at Kassam Stadium on May 04, 2024 in Oxford, England. (Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images)

The Posh could not retain his services beyond this summer, but their chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, spoke highly of Poku in an interview.

Why Rangers Might Snap Up A Worthy Successor Of Cerny

The Gers failed to strike a permanent deal for Vaclav Cerny, who enjoyed a blistering season-long loan stint from Wolfsburg. Nevertheless, the Ghanaian would be an able alternative for the Czech attacker for a minuscule tribunal fee. He would inject pace, flair and finesse down the right. Also, his cut-insides, lay-offs, passing, dribbling, and finishing should cause a menace in the opponents’ half.

Rangers are undergoing a summer rebuild under new boss Russell Martin. Kevin Thelwell, who joined as their sporting director from Everton, convinced the ex-Southampton boss to accept the Ibrox role. A £20m transfer war chest from the new owners, Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers, shows sheer ambition to redeem the lost glory. Yet the necessity of significant reinforcements would require smart business over the next couple of months.

Besides the right-wing slot, they must invest on the opposite flank, having parted ways with Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence. Nedim Bajrami and Ross McCausland could not stake a claim in Philippe Clement’s or Barry Ferguson’s plans, and therefore, could be offloaded for suitable offers. Signing Poku for a tiny amount should save millions, thus allowing them to bolster other areas en route to closing the gap with Celtic.