NafisaRangers appear to be closing in on a major attacking addition after emerging reports claimed the Ibrox club are now on the verge of signing South Korean winger Kim Min-su from Girona.
The move would come as a major boost for Derek McInnes, who has been clear that he wants more pace, quality and invention in the final third before the transfer window closes.
Rangers have been searching for another wide player after their proposed move for PSV winger Couhaib Driouech collapsed following issues during his medical.
And it now appears they have quickly moved on to another target.
According to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Rangers are closing in on Min-su, with Girona expecting the release clause in his contract to be triggered.
That clause is understood to be worth €10million (£8.6million).
Campbell reported:
“Rangers closing in on Korean winger Kim Min-su with Girona expecting the €10m release fee to be met.
“Follows a bid of around €7/8m last week.
“Girona disappointed as they had planned for him to be a key player this season following successful loan spell.”
The development represents a significant jump from Rangers’ previous offer.
The Ibrox club are understood to have made an offer worth around £6-7million last week, but that proposal was rejected.
Girona had reportedly been planning around Min-su playing an important role for them this season after he impressed during his loan spell with Andorra.
Now, however, Rangers look prepared to go all the way.
Rangers finally solve their winger problem
McInnes has repeatedly highlighted the need for more attacking quality.
After Rangers’ 1-0 win over Jablonec, the manager admitted that an additional level of pace and invention would be hugely important to improving his side.
“I do think that having that extra level of pace and quality and invention in the top end of the pitch is going to be massive for us to improve.”
Those comments came shortly before the latest developments surrounding Min-su.
The South Korean therefore looks to fit precisely the profile McInnes has been searching for.
Rangers have already brought in a large number of players this summer, but the manager has made it clear that recruitment is not finished.
And the apparent decision to meet Min-su’s release clause suggests the club are prepared to make another significant investment.
Who is Kim Min-su?
Min-su has spent much of his footballing development in Spain despite being South Korean.
He moved to Spain at the age of 14, joining the Damm academy before eventually making the switch to Girona in 2022.
His development continued away from Girona last season when he joined Andorra on loan.
That proved to be an important campaign for the youngster.
Min-su scored six goals and registered four assists, helping establish himself as a player capable of making an impact at senior level.
Girona were subsequently prepared to bring him back into their plans for the new season.
The prospect of losing him now is therefore understandably frustrating for the Spanish club.
Driouech collapse made winger signing a priority
Rangers’ pursuit of Min-su also comes after an unusual twist in their recruitment plans.
The club had appeared close to completing a deal for PSV winger Driouech, only for the transfer to collapse after concerns emerged during his medical.
Driouech later explained that there had been a disagreement between the medical teams regarding an injury.
That left Rangers needing to return to the market.
Min-su now appears to be the player who could fill that vacancy.
And unlike their previous offer for the winger, Rangers seemingly have little intention of allowing negotiations to drag on.
Triggering a €10million release clause would effectively remove Girona’s ability to negotiate the player’s price.
A huge statement from Rangers
If the deal is completed, Min-su would arrive at Ibrox with significant expectations attached to him.
£8.6million is serious money in Scottish football, particularly for a 20-year-old who has only one season of senior football in Spain’s second tier.
But Rangers appear convinced that the winger has the potential to justify that investment.
For Girona, meanwhile, it is a frustrating outcome.
They reportedly viewed Min-su as a key part of their plans for the season after his successful loan spell.
But the release clause has given Rangers a straightforward route to securing his signature.
And with the club now apparently prepared to activate it, McInnes could finally be getting the attacking reinforcement he has been demanding.
For Rangers supporters, the timing will be particularly exciting.
After the disappointment of seeing the Driouech transfer collapse, the Ibrox club now look to have moved quickly to their next target — and this time, they appear ready to pay the full price.
Nafisa
