Rangers have renewed their pursuit of Czech striker Vaclav Cerny, with the club poised to improve on a rejected £5.1 million bid as the Premiership title race tightens. The Ibrox side sit second in the Premiership, 69 pts from 33 games, recent form WLLLL, just one point behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian.

Why is Cerny back in the spotlight?

Cerny spent the 2024‑25 season on loan at Rangers, impressing fans with his pace and eye for goal, yet the loan‑option from Wolfsburg was not exercised. After a permanent move to Besiktas last summer, the 28‑year‑old has only completed one season in Turkey. Recent interviews suggest he is open to a return to Glasgow, despite publicly affirming his commitment to Besiktas.

What does his international retirement mean for the transfer?

In a candid interview with TRTSpor, relayed by the Rangers Review, Cerny announced his retirement from the Czech national team, citing a lack of appreciation. "The easiest choice for me was to say, ‘Okay, now's the right time, and I'll fully focus on Besiktas because there are very important things I need to achieve here,’" he said. While the statement underscores his desire to concentrate on club football, it also removes a potential obstacle for a move back to Scotland, as he will no longer juggle international duties.

How does the £5.1 million offer fit into Rangers' transfer strategy?

Rangers' hierarchy tabled an initial £5.1 million bid for Cerny, which Besiktas rejected. Sources claim a second, higher offer is imminent, aiming to match the Turkish side’s valuation. The club’s technical director, Dan Purdy, has been instructed by manager Derek McInnes to secure a winger who can add depth on the flanks, especially after the recent 5‑2 victory over Falkirk on 16 May 2026.

What are the alternatives if Cerny stays in Turkey?

Should Besiktas hold firm, Rangers may pivot to Tottenham Hotspur’s Mikey Moore, another winger linked with a return to Ibrox. McInnes has reportedly urged Purdy to prioritise this target before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, the club’s next fixture against Saint Etienne at home on 22 July 2026 will test their attacking options, making the timing of any signing critical.

What’s the immediate outlook?

With the league title within reach and a congested schedule ahead, Rangers cannot afford to linger on the transfer market. A successful Cerny deal could bolster their goal tally—66 scored, 31 conceded this season—while also providing a morale boost after a mixed recent run. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Ibrox hierarchy can outbid Besiktas and bring the Czech forward back to Glasgow.