NafisaThe transfer window rarely unfolds exactly as clubs plan. Even when recruitment teams identify their preferred targets early, competition from elsewhere in Europe can quickly change the landscape, forcing managers to pivot towards alternative options.
For Rangers, this summer has already been one of significant change. Derek McInnes has wasted little time reshaping his squad after taking charge, bringing fresh faces into several key positions while continuing to monitor areas that still require reinforcement before the competitive fixtures begin.
Although defensive additions have already arrived at Ibrox, the search for further quality at the back has remained active behind the scenes.
One of the names strongly linked with Rangers in recent weeks now appears to be heading elsewhere.
Rangers and FC Basel were both credited with serious interest in Zalaegerszegi TE central defender Akpe Victory.
Despite completing the loan signing of Ben Godfrey from Atalanta, McInnes has continued searching for another centre-back to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new campaign.
Reports suggested Rangers had been preparing an offer for Victory after identifying the 19-year-old Nigerian as one of their leading defensive targets.
ZTE were understood to be aware of the growing interest surrounding the youngster and had been prepared to sanction a transfer should a suitable proposal arrive.
FC Basel close in on Victory deal
However, Victory is now seemingly unlikely to make the switch to Ibrox this summer.
According to Rudy Galetti, Swiss giants FC Basel are now on the verge of completing a move for the talented defender.
Basel have reportedly spent several weeks in negotiations with ZTE and are now said to have reached a decisive breakthrough in discussions.
The teenager has already approved the move, with the transfer expected to be completed in the coming days.
Despite only joining the Hungarian outfit at the beginning of 2026, Victory now looks set to depart after a brief spell, allowing ZTE to secure a sizeable financial return.
Rangers News reports that the total package involved in the transfer is expected to exceed £4 million, with Basel now firmly in pole position to finalise the agreement.
Rangers still expected to strengthen defence
Missing out on Victory is not expected to end Rangers’ pursuit of another central defender.
McInnes has already overseen an active recruitment drive since arriving at Ibrox, with the club strengthening several different departments across the squad.
A striker, midfielder, right-back, centre-back and goalkeeper have all been added during the current transfer window, but recruitment work is understood to be far from complete.
Defensively, Rangers still have gaps to fill following the departures of Derek Cornelius and Nasser Djiga after their respective loan spells came to an end.
Those exits have left the Light Blues short of depth in central defence, making another signing in that position a strong possibility before the transfer window closes.
One alternative already on Rangers’ radar is Troyes defender Sankhoun Diawara.
Interest in the French-based defender has been established for some time, and with Victory seemingly heading to Switzerland instead, Rangers could now intensify their efforts to secure Diawara as McInnes continues building his squad for the challenges ahead.
Nafisa
