According to the latest reports from Romanian media outlet GSP, Scottish clubs are said to be interested in Cluj striker Billel Omrani. Reports mention that Cluj have received three offers from clubs in Scotland and Israel. The most substantial offer is said to be at €3.5m. With that kind of money in play, Rangers and Celtic are the only logical choices from Scotland who can sign someone like Omrani.
The report doesn’t mention a specific team, but we think that Rangers could be interested in a striker as they currently have only two frontline options. Omrani scored nine goals last season and provided with 15 assists. The striker was recently in the news for playing a big part in ousting Celtic from the Champions League qualifiers as the French forward managed a brace at Parkhead.
He must already be a fan favourite at Rangers for dumping Celtic out, and it would rub more salt on Celtic’s wounds if the Gers manage to sign the forward.
Who could be in the race for the French striker?
However, the way Gerrard has gone about his business in the transfer window makes it clear that he relies heavily on signing players on loan or on free transfers. With Morelos being a top option, Rangers might not spend over €3m now to land a striker. However, maybe Rangers will have some money left in their coffers as they would have wanted to sign Ryan Kent at some point. So perhaps they might have the funds from there.
Celtic, on the other hand, are financially much well off after selling Kieran Tierney for £25m. So practically they could be the team who are looking to poach Omrani this summer. It remains to be seen now who would win the battle for this forward. Gerrard though did indicate that there’s a debate at the club whether they should go after a third striker or not. Meanwhile, we take a look at what can Omrani bring to the table at Ibrox if Gerrard signs him.
What are Omrani’s strengths?
The 26-year-old has come up from Marseille’s academy and has so far managed seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances this season. The striker with Algerian heritage is known for his sharp movement, doggedness and lethal finishing. He provides a similar intensity as Morelos while leading the line, and he could be a handy striker to have for the Bears.
The striker did play for Marseille’s senior team but was shipped away after just ten appearances as Cluj signed him on a free transfer in 2016. Since then, the player has added a lot of value to his name, and maybe we could see him in Scotland in the future.
