Rangers are reportedly eyeing a £4 million swoop for Basel midfielder Metinho, as the club's incoming American owners look to make significant moves in the transfer market. The 22-year-old Brazilian-Congolese playmaker has emerged as a key target for the club, with the San Francisco 49ers-backed consortium keen to secure his services ahead of the summer transfer window.
Currently on loan at Basel from French Ligue 2 side Troyes, Metinho has made a notable impact in the Swiss Super League since joining the team in January. His performances have helped Basel rise to the top of the league, making him a coveted asset for several clubs across Europe, including those in the English Championship.
Metinho, who has been dubbed the 'Brazilian Pogba' due to his playing style and potential, is approaching the final year of his contract with Troyes. The French club, part of the City Football Group, is expected to be open to selling him rather than risk losing him for nothing next season. Troyes had initially signed him for €5 million (£4.2 million) in 2021, and now Rangers are prepared to match that valuation to bring him to Ibrox.
Rangers are currently undergoing a transition, spearheaded by 49ers Enterprises and American businessman Andrew Cavenagh. With the departure of manager Philippe Clement in February, the club is searching for a new head coach while simultaneously looking to strengthen their squad. Barry Ferguson has taken temporary charge, but the new owners are eager to make their mark by signing promising talents like Metinho.
Since moving to Basel, Metinho has become a first-team regular, making ten appearances and showcasing his skills on the pitch. Before his stint in Switzerland, he spent time on loan at Sparta Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Lommel SK in Belgium, as well as starting his career at Fluminense in Brazil. His journey has been marked by a series of loan spells, but he is now finding his footing in Basel, where he is expected to play a crucial role in the club's title chase.
As Rangers prepare for their upcoming matches in the Premiership, they are also bracing for potential departures from their current squad. Key attacking midfielders Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence are likely to leave this summer, while Vaclav Cerny is on loan from Wolfsburg. This reshuffling of the roster creates an opportunity for Metinho to step in and make an immediate impact.
Rangers have three crucial matches left in the Premiership, starting with a home game against Aberdeen at Ibrox on May 11, 2025. The club's new ownership is determined to revitalize the team and improve their standing in Scottish football, and securing Metinho would be a statement of intent.
With his background as a rising star in Brazil and his impressive performances in Europe, Metinho represents a promising investment for Rangers. The new owners understand that enhancing the club's recruitment strategy will be essential in their long-term plans to challenge Celtic's dominance in Scottish football.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how Rangers navigate their managerial search and player acquisitions. The pursuit of Metinho highlights the club's ambition to attract top talent and build a competitive squad capable of reclaiming their place at the top of Scottish football.
In conclusion, the potential signing of Metinho could be a pivotal moment for Rangers as they look to reshape their squad under new ownership. With the club's future looking bright, fans will be eager to see how this transfer saga unfolds in the coming weeks.
