Rangers look set to miss out on Mateo Cassierra as the £1 million FC Socchi striker agrees a three-year contract with Russia Premier League giants Zenit St Petersburg, his agent tells Sport24.
The writing appeared to be on the wall – as far as Rangers’ hopes of luring another Colombian number nine to Ibrox were concerned – as recently as last week.
A representative speaking on behalf of Cassierra went public with the five teams who had shown an interest in the one-time Ajax youngster. And Rangers were conspicuous by their absence.
The same could not be said of Zenit, however.
And, according to RB Sport, the same side who defeated Rangers in the 2008 UEFA Cup final are now in the final stages of an agreement with a see a striker who scored 14 goals in an impressive debut season with Socchi. Cassierra will ink an initial three-year deal with the reigning Russian Premier League champions.
“Will Cassierra sign a contract with Zenit? We have agreed with the club,” says the 25-year-old’s agent, albeit while adding that the St Petersburg side are yet to submit an ‘official proposal’.
Zenit St Petersburg will snatch Rangers target Mateo Cassierra
Cassierra was first linked with a move to Rangers in the aftermath of May’s Europa League final loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in Seville. Cassierra certainly poured fuel on the fire too when pointing out that Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst knows him well from his time in charge of Ajax’s Eredivisie rivals Feyenoord.
It is not certain how much Zenit will pay for the one-time West Brom target. Socchi coach Vadim Garanin confirms that Cassierra has been omitted from their pre-season squad.
“Everyone plays the childish game of hot or cold. Today I can say that it is warm,” adds Zenit CEO Alexander Medvedev when quizzed about Cassierra, via Championat. “Will there be more newcomers? It is possible.”
Who next for Rangers?
Rangers already appear to have turned their sights to alternative striker targets. According to the Northern Echo, Sunderland’s Scotland international Ross Stewart is the top priority. Talks are also underway regarding Randers’ Stephen Odey.
Rangers are reportedly keen on Antonio Colak – yes, he off Malmo fame – too (Daily Record).
“I know that this striker had offers from foreign clubs,” says former Zenit coach Alexei Strepetov. “But the football player and his agent made a choice in favour of Zenit. He is still young, he has a great future.
“Cassierra has a wide range of qualities. Cassierra knows how to finish chances but also he perfectly knows how to open up the pitch. The Colombian is fast and technical. And it is difficult for opponents to take the ball away from him without fouling.”
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