They say good things come to those who wait. And, for that matter, those who, after a couple of years in the wilderness, showcase the talent, the determination and the bouncebackability to prove the cynics wrong.
According to All Nigeria Soccer, Rangers have entered talks to sign Stephen Odey from Danish outfit – and near namesakes – Randers FC, with sporting director Ross Wilson driving the deal. This comes after Odey, for the first time since his spell at Zurich back in 2018/19, hit double figures in a single season.
The Nigeria international scored 14 times as Randers finished sixth in the Danish Superliga table, putting ill-fated stints at Amiens and Genk firmly in the rearview window.
“The big name is Stephen Odey,” said Danish reporter Toke Theilade ahead of Randers’ UEFA Conference League clash with Leicester City in the spring. “He’s been really, really good.
“He’s the kind of player who Randers shouldn’t really be able to get. He was one of the biggest signings of the season. He’s been fantastic. He is great in front of goal, has a great finish, and he is physically strong.”
Rangers keen on Stephen Odey
Remind you of anyone, Rangers fans? There’s a touch of the Alfredo Morelos’ in the way Odey shrugs off opposition defenders, racing in behind before finishing with ruthless efficiency one-on-one. And with the Colombian entering the final 12 months of his Ibrox contract, perhaps Odey could form a key part of Rangers’ succession plan.
We did say that good things come to those who wait. And Odey has waited longer than most.
All the way back in 2017, a then-teenage Odey came within touching distance of a life-changing summer switch to Scotland. It was Celtic, rather than Rangers, who were in pursuit at the time however, with one report claiming that the Hoops had even offered him a £5,000-a-week deal.
The Nigeria-based – and quite brilliantly-named – Mountain of Fire refused to play ball and Celtic turned their attention elsewhere. Five years on, Odey is finally living up to that early promise. And, after becoming Randers’ most expensive ever acquisition in November, he could soon become their most expensive ever departure too. According to ANS, there is a £3.5 million price-tag on his head.
And, after Celtic decided to look elsewhere, Odey will not be short of motivation if he finally ups sticks and heads to Glasgow, five years late.
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