Rangers have been beaten to the signature of Zalaegerszeg starlet Akpe Victory. Swiss heavyweights FC Basel have secured a deal for the highly-rated defender after intensive negotiations, leaving the Ibrox recruitment team to lick their wounds.

What happened to Rangers' transfer plans?

Rangers were keen to lure the 19-year-old centre-back to the Scottish Premiership, but Basel managed to structure a financial package that satisfied the Hungarian outfit, with a €5million valuation.

How does this affect Rangers' summer squad rebuild?

Losing out on Victory stings because his profile fits the physical demands of Scottish football perfectly, with a massive frame at 1.95 meters, comfortable winning aerial duels, yet surprisingly composed when playing out from the back, and Rangers will struggle to replace that specific skillset under their current financial constraints.

What comes next for Rangers?

The recruitment team must now pivot immediately toward cheaper markets in Scandinavia or explore the English Premier League loan market to find that necessary muscle, as Rangers are currently 2nd in the Premiership, 1 point behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian, with a recent form of WLLLL, and 66 goals scored, 31 conceded, with a +35 goal difference. Rangers' last result was a 5-2 win against Falkirk on May 16, 2026, and they are on a 2-game winning run, but the loss of Victory will be a significant blow during a crucial summer squad rebuild.