NafisaVaclav Cerny has once again emerged as one of the most intriguing names on Rangers’ transfer radar as Derek McInnes looks to put the finishing touches to his squad before the window closes.
The Czechia international is a familiar face around Ibrox, having spent last season on loan with the Gers and quickly becoming a popular figure among supporters. His performances were one of the brighter aspects of Rangers’ campaign, and his direct style, ability to cut inside and eye for goal made him a player the club were keen to keep tabs on.
That interest has not disappeared following his return to Turkey.
Rangers have been working on the possibility of bringing Cerny back to Glasgow, with McInnes seemingly keen to add another right-sided attacking option to his squad before the transfer deadline.
The Ibrox hierarchy have already made their intentions clear by putting an offer on the table, while developments surrounding the 28-year-old’s situation at Besiktas have continued to attract attention.
There had been suggestions in recent days that Besiktas could be prepared to consider a bid in the region of £8.5million for Cerny, potentially giving Rangers a route back into negotiations despite the player’s importance to Vincenzo Italiano’s side.
The Gers have therefore had plenty of reason to remain hopeful.
Cerny has started the new campaign as an important member of the Besiktas squad and played his part as the Turkish club secured their route into the Europa League. His current standing in Istanbul made any potential deal difficult, but Rangers were still prepared to explore the possibility.
And it wasn’t only Rangers who were watching.
According to journalist and football commentator Ertem Sener, who is followed by respected Turkish reporter Yagiz Sabuncuoglu on X, clubs from MLS and Saudi Arabia had also registered their interest in the winger.
That left Rangers facing competition from overseas, with the former Wolfsburg attacker attracting attention from clubs capable of putting significant money on the table.
For McInnes, however, the attraction is obvious.
Cerny already knows Rangers, understands the expectations that come with playing at Ibrox and has experience of Scottish football. Bringing him back would also give the manager another experienced option in an attacking department that already contains several players capable of making an impact.
Rangers have certainly not been short of alternatives so far this season.
Kim Minsu produced an eye-catching performance in the 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, while Daisuke Yokota has also shown encouraging signs since arriving from Hannover 96.
Djeidi Gassama has started the campaign strongly, while McInnes has continued to give opportunities to young winger Findlay Curtis.
That could arguably lessen the immediate need for another wide player, particularly now that Rangers have no European football to contend with.
But Cerny is a different proposition.
His previous spell at Ibrox means he would not need the same adaptation period as a new signing, while his familiarity with the club could make him an attractive option if Rangers wanted another proven player for the season ahead.
There was, though, one major question hanging over the situation: what did Cerny actually want?
Rangers could make their proposal. Other clubs could put forward their own offers. Besiktas could decide whether they were willing to sell.
Ultimately, the player would have the final say over where his future lay.
And that latest answer has now emerged.
Despite the interest from Rangers, along with approaches from MLS and Saudi Arabia, Cerny has decided to remain at Besiktas.
The winger is reportedly happy in Turkey, while Italiano is also pleased with what he is getting from the Czech attacker.
That represents a significant blow for Rangers, particularly given how seriously they had pursued a reunion.
For now, McInnes will have to look at the options already available to him and decide whether another right-winger is genuinely required before the Scottish transfer deadline at 5pm on September 3.
Cerny, meanwhile, looks set to continue his career in Istanbul rather than make the emotional return to Ibrox that many Rangers supporters had hoped for.
Nafisa
