Rangers Launch Bid For German Striker Ryan Naderi

Rangers are making bold moves in the January transfer window, and the latest headline-grabbing story is their pursuit of Hansa Rostock’s towering striker Ryan Naderi. The Glasgow giants have reportedly tabled a formal bid of €3 million (around £2.6 million) for the 22-year-old, signaling manager Danny Rohl’s intent to inject fresh firepower into a squad hungry for Scottish Premiership glory.

According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Ben Hacker and transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, Rangers’ bid is on the table and talks between the clubs are ongoing. Naderi, who stands at a commanding 6ft 4in, is said to be “keen on the move to Glasgow,” a sentiment echoed across multiple sources. If a fee can be agreed, the young striker could soon be swapping Germany’s 3. Liga for the electric atmosphere of Ibrox.

This potential acquisition comes at a pivotal time for Rangers. Danny Rohl, leveraging his German connections, has already been active in the market, bringing in Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani from Sturm Graz for £4 million, Belgian defender Tuur Rommens from Westerlo, and winger Andreas Skov Olsen on loan from Wolfsburg. Naderi would be the fourth addition this window, as Rohl looks to address the club’s most pressing concern: a lack of clinical edge up front.

Rangers’ attacking struggles have been well documented. Despite a recent upturn in form—eight wins on the bounce since a December defeat to Hearts—the team’s top scorer is captain and full-back James Tavernier, with six league goals. Strikers Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski have both shown flashes, but neither has consistently delivered the goals needed to keep pace with title rivals. Even Chermiti, who grabbed a memorable brace against Celtic early in the new year, has managed just two goals in his other 15 appearances.

As for Naderi, his numbers this season speak volumes. In 17 league matches for Hansa Rostock, he’s found the net eight times and provided between three and five assists, depending on the source. His recent performance—a hat-trick of assists in a 4-0 win over SV Waldhof Mannheim—underscores his ability not just to score, but to link play and create chances for teammates. Physically imposing and technically adept, Naderi can operate as a traditional number nine or drop deeper as a second striker, offering Rangers much-needed versatility up front.

Naderi’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. A product of Dynamo Dresden’s youth academy, he joined Borussia Monchengladbach in 2021 but never broke into the first team, instead honing his craft with the second team before moving to Hansa Rostock in 2024. Since then, he’s become a standout performer in Germany’s third division, attracting attention not just from Rangers but also from clubs like RB Salzburg, Mainz, Paderborn, Heidenheim, and several Portuguese sides.

The timing of Rangers’ move is no coincidence. With the transfer deadline looming on February 2, 2026, the club is pushing to finalize a deal that could have significant ramifications for the current squad. Chief among them is the future of Brazilian striker Danilo. Signed from Feyenoord in 2023 for £6 million, Danilo’s time at Ibrox has been marred by injuries and inconsistency. Recent reports suggest Dutch side NEC Nijmegen are interested in taking him on loan, and the arrival of Naderi would further cast doubt on Danilo’s role moving forward.

“The link is significant in the context of Rangers’ current attacking reshuffle,” noted Sky Sports Germany. “Dutch interest in Danilo has already emerged, and the Brazilian’s stop-start spell at Ibrox, punctuated by multiple injury setbacks, has left his role increasingly uncertain.” Should Naderi arrive, a loan or even a permanent exit for Danilo becomes all the more plausible as Rangers seek to balance their squad for the title run-in.

Rangers’ pursuit of Naderi is as much about the future as it is about the present. The German forward is under contract at Hansa Rostock until June 2028, meaning any deal would represent a long-term investment rather than a short-term fix. At just 22, Naderi is entering his peak years, offering the prospect of immediate impact and the potential for future value if his development continues apace.

Manager Danny Rohl’s transfer strategy has been clear: bolster the attack to keep pressure on league leaders Hearts, who currently sit four points ahead. Sunday’s 3-0 win over Dundee saw Rangers leapfrog Celtic into second place, but the need for a reliable goal-getter remains. The club’s defensive solidity and midfield creativity have kept them in the hunt, but without a consistent striker, the title could remain elusive.

Rohl’s efforts to strengthen the squad have not gone unnoticed. “Rangers have already made several signings this January including Andreas Skov Olsen (loan from Wolfsburg), Tuur Rommens, and Tochi Chukwuani,” reported Football Insider. “But more additions are needed if they want to continue closing the gap on Hearts.” The arrival of Naderi could be the final piece of the puzzle, providing competition for Chermiti and Miovski and giving Rohl the tactical flexibility he craves.

Competition for Naderi’s signature is fierce, but Rangers’ willingness to move quickly and decisively could give them the edge. The club’s ambition is clear: end a five-year title drought and reassert dominance in Scottish football. The addition of a physically dominant, technically gifted striker like Naderi could be the spark that ignites their championship push.

With the transfer window deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on Ibrox to see if Rangers can get the deal over the line. Talks with Hansa Rostock are ongoing, and both clubs are working to reach an agreement that would see Naderi make the switch to Glasgow. For now, the situation remains fluid, but one thing is certain—Rangers fans have plenty to be excited about as the club chases silverware on multiple fronts.

As negotiations continue, the prospect of Ryan Naderi leading the line at Ibrox grows ever more tantalizing. Whether he’ll be the man to fire Rangers to title glory remains to be seen, but the intent from Rohl and the board is unmistakable: Rangers are going all in this January.