NafisaThe race to secure the brightest young prospects has become increasingly competitive, with clubs across Britain and Europe moving earlier than ever to protect the future of their academies.
Promising teenagers are now attracting attention long before they establish themselves at senior level, forcing clubs into difficult decisions over contracts and long-term planning.
For Rangers, identifying emerging talent has remained an important part of their recruitment strategy under the new regime. While much of the focus has centred on first-team additions this summer, the Ibrox side have also continued monitoring several highly-rated youngsters who could develop into valuable assets in the years ahead.
One player firmly on that radar was Sunderland prospect Finn Geragusian, but the Scottish giants have now been dealt a setback in their pursuit.
Sunderland have successfully beaten off interest from both Rangers and Nottingham Forest by tying one of their brightest academy stars down to a new professional contract.
The Gers had been credited with an interest in Armenian youth international Finn Geragusian after his rapid rise through Sunderland’s academy ranks.
Competition for the forward’s signature was fierce, with Premier League side Nottingham Forest also exploring a potential move alongside the possibility of the youngster remaining on Wearside.
Earlier this year, North East football journalist Craig Hope reported that Sunderland faced a genuine battle to keep hold of the striker as his scholarship agreement neared its conclusion.
He wrote on X:
«“Sunderland face fight to keep hold of forward Finn Geragusian. Clubs from Premier League & Europe showing interest, inc. Nottingham Forest & Rangers. The 18-yr-old out of contract in summer & yet to agree new deal. Still on scholarship contract, so under FIFA rules can leave for as little as €200k to non-English clubs. Geragusian was called up to most recent senior Armenia squad.”»
Geragusian commits his future to Sunderland:
Those concerns have now been put to rest after Sunderland officially confirmed that the teenager has signed his first professional contract with the club.
Speaking after putting pen to paper, Geragusian said:
«“I’m really proud of myself. The coaches and all the other staff have helped me out, and a big shout out to my family as well who have supported and pushed me this season. I’ve had some great opportunities and experiences, and hopefully now I’ll be able to have many more this season.”»
Academy chief John Hewitson also welcomed the agreement, saying:
«“Finn has made massive progress over the last couple of seasons and that is testament to his hard-working attitude. We are delighted that he will be continuing his progression at the Club.”»
Sunderland added in their official statement:
«“Sunderland AFC is delighted to announce that Finn Geragusian has signed his first professional contract with the club. The striker scored 13 goals and three assists across the academy teams last season, following on from 19 goal contributions in 2024-25.»
«“Achievements last season continued as the 18-year-old received his first senior international call-up last campaign as he was called up to Armenia’s national team, making his debut against Belarus in March.”»
Rangers miss out on highly-rated youngster
Former Aberdeen, Aston Villa and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, who now works as a football consultant, previously suggested that Geragusian could have represented an excellent long-term investment for Rangers.
Speaking on the Inside Track Podcast, Wyness said:
«“My first question is why are Sunderland letting him go? If the reason is because they believe that he can go on to a platform like Rangers and showcase himself, then he would get a move down to the Premier League, I’m pretty sure pretty quickly. For Rangers, they’ve got to be careful because taking an 18-year-old into the Glasgow pressure cooker isn’t always easy either, and that may not be the best platform.»
«“Mikey Moore seems to be an example where it took him a little while to settle down, but he’s done it now, and he understands it and has enjoyed it. If he is as good as they think he is, and he stays injury free, then that’s exactly the type of talent that can end up becoming a big money spinner for the club. It can be difficult for some people, so I’d want to do some research into the personality and the character of the player.”»
While Rangers will now have to look elsewhere for emerging attacking talent, Sunderland’s success in securing Geragusian’s signature will be viewed as a major boost, with the club determined to keep one of their most exciting academy products at the Stadium of Light.
Nafisa
