Rangers have completed the first part of a medical for Girona winger Kim Min-su, according to a report in The Scotsman. The Scottish Premiership side are set to pay the 20-year-old's £8.5 million release clause, making him their most expensive signing of the summer transfer window.
This news comes as Rangers prepare for their next Premiership fixture against Aberdeen on Saturday, sitting ninth in the table with just one point from their opening two matches. They trail leaders Celtic by five points and will be looking to improve on a goal difference of minus one, having scored twice and conceded three times so far. The club's standings position adds urgency to their transfer business before the September 3 deadline.
Who is Kim Min-su?
Kim Min-su is a 20-year-old winger from Spanish side Girona. He started in Girona's opening La Liga draw with Leganes last week, but the club was thought to be hesitant about letting him leave. Last season, Kim gained valuable experience on loan at FC Andorra in the Spanish second tier. There, he scored six goals and provided four assists. Rangers are ready to offer the South Korean a four-year contract at Ibrox. His arrival would be the club's 12th new signing of a busy summer, edging out the £6 million paid for goalkeeper Ivor Pandur as the window's biggest outlay.
What other targets are Rangers considering?
Rangers have also been credited with an interest in PSV Eindhoven winger Esmir Bajraktarevic. The 21-year-old Bosnian international is understood to be available on a loan deal. Reports state that Rangers face competition for his signature from Portuguese giants Benfica and German side Eintracht Frankfurt. This potential double move for wide players comes as Rangers manage injuries to key squad members, with José Cifuentes and Youssef Chermiti currently sidelined. Fans can check the latest on the injuries page for updates on their return.
How does this affect the wider Scottish market?
The Scottish transfer market remains active with the deadline looming. Hearts have signed 27-year-old striker JJ Williams from Rhode Island for an undisclosed fee. Williams, who agreed to a two-year deal, was prolific in the US, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists. "It's a dream come true for me, honestly," Williams told The Scotsman. "I was hoping this deal would have been done a long time ago but the fact that I'm here..." Hearts have a Europa Conference League playoff clash with Rapid Wien this Thursday. Meanwhile, Kilmarnock have allowed defender Ethan Schilte-Brown to join Glentoran on a season-long loan. The 21-year-old Canadian, who was Killie's Young Player of the Year last season after 18 league appearances, said he is relishing the big opportunity.
Across the city, Celtic are interested in Slovan Liberec midfielder Ermin Mahmic. The 21-year-old Bosnian international, valued at £7.5 million, faces competition from Greek side PAOK. Reports claimed Celtic were edging closer to a seven-figure deal for Mahmic, who scored twice for Bosnia at the World Cup in North America this summer. He is seen as a like-for-like replacement for Arne Engels, who joined West Ham United for £22 million last week.
What comes next for Rangers?
With the medical process underway for Kim Min-su, Rangers will aim to finalise his signing imminently. The pursuit of Bajraktarevic shows manager Philippe Clement is still seeking to add depth and quality to his wide options. These moves are part of a significant squad rebuild as the club looks to climb the Premiership table from their current position. The immediate focus returns to the pitch for the trip to face eighth-placed Aberdeen, a game detailed on the club's fixtures schedule. Securing these targets could provide a vital boost for the challenges ahead.
