The January window has entered its final week, and Rangers, currently 2nd in the league standings following their win against Dundee and Celtic’s draw with Hearts in the top-of-the-table clash, have been made aware of the price tag of one of their winter targets. Motherwell sensation Tawanda Maswanhise has been on the radar of both the Old Firm clubs, and according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, the high-flying attacker would cost in the north of £4m.
However, Well boss Jens Berthel Askou dismissed the rumours while speaking to the press ahead of locking horns with Kilmarnock at Fir Park.
“There’s been a lot of concrete rumours about Tawanda and a lot of concrete speculation and guessing and all sorts of things that we have to hear and sometimes read. But we are in no negotiations with anyone regarding any of our top players, and we are not selling any of our top players this window.”
Maswanhise continued his blistering run, scoring again in their 4-0 win, and taking his tally to 16 goals and 2 assists in 28 appearances across competitions [stats via Transfermarket].
His Rise In Scotland
The 23-year-old Zimbabwe international progressed through the academy ranks of Leicester City before making his senior debut in the FA Cup versus Millwall a couple of years ago. But he was released by the Foxes by the end of the 2023-24 season, thus forcing him to go on trial at several clubs to pursue his career.
Motherwell initially handed him an opportunity on a short-term deal, and the youngster proved to be an instant success with his flair and finesse on the flanks. They tied him down on a longer contract, and his current form suggests that he is destined to flourish at a higher level in the near future. Askou’s army is flying high in the league, and the Danish boss must be desperate to keep hold of his prized asset to cement a spot in Europe.
Nevertheless, Rangers should not give up the chase, particularly with Celtic in the mix for the versatile attacking ace. Losing him to their Glasgow rivals would be a major setback, and the race for the Zimbabwean might go down to the wire.
Why Rangers Need Maswanhise Despite Ample Attackers
Rangers reconstructed their attacking third by roping on Bojan Miovski and Youssef Chermiti up top, with Djeidi Gassama, Oliver Antman and Mikey Moore complementing from the flanks. Andreas Skov Olsen has joined this month to add more firepower in attack, but the Light Blues might find it difficult to convert both Skov Olsen and Moore’s loans into permanent transfers.
Danny Rohl also has Danilo, Nedim Bajrami, Rabbi Matondo and Findlay Curtis, but the latter is expected to join Killie on loan for the remainder of the season. The gaffer does not consider him in his immediate first-team plans, whereas Danilo, Matondo and Bajrami have already been transfer-listed, with no future at Ibrox. Maswanhise, on the other hand, has proved his excellence in Scottish football, and his flexibility across the frontline would bolster the Gers if a transfer takes place in due time.
