At this stage, it remains uncertain how much genuine interest Rangers have shown or whether the Scottish Premiership’s top teams are truly considering him as a target.
While more clarity is needed before the 22-year-old Arif Aiman Hanapi can be confirmed as a Rangers prospect ahead of the January transfer window, his performances on Sundays are likely to boost his chances of making the leap to European football.
Around a month ago, reports in Malaysia, notably from the New Straits Times, linked the winger to Rangers. Although Hanapi is relatively unknown in Glasgow and across Europe, his impressive statistics suggest that could change quickly if he gets the opportunity to perform on a bigger stage.
Even if a team like Ross County could easily overpower Kuala Lumpur City from the Malaysian Super League, it takes remarkable talent to achieve what Hanapi did against them.
The connection to Rangers seems justified by Arif Aiman Hanapi’s “sensational” hat-trick in Johor Darul Ta’zim’s 3-0 victory. This performance brought his season tally to 14 goals in 24 matches.
Hanapi’s first goal was a clinical strike into the bottom corner, setting the stage for a first-half hat-trick completed in just 30 minutes. His second goal—a stunning 30-yard effort that dipped into the top corner—showcased his long-range precision, serving as a warning to potential Scottish Premiership defenders not to give him space. His third was a confidently taken penalty, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Local media outlets were quick to praise his performance. Malaysia’s Bernama described it as “sensational,” while FootBoom opted for the equally glowing term “extraordinary.”
Johor Darul Ta’zim head coach Hector Bidoglio, a former Venezuelan international, stated that no player in Malaysian football comes close to Hanapi at this level. Bidoglio lauded not just his finishing ability but also his work rate off the ball—qualities that could make him a good fit for Rangers under Philippe Clement if the rumors are accurate.
“He was phenomenal,” Bidoglio told reporters after the game. “Not just for the hat-trick but for his overall contribution in attack and defense. It’s amazing to see him in such great form. I know how hard he works every day to improve. He is, without question, our best player.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Rangers seem to be in the market for a winger. With Vaclav Černý only on loan from Wolfsburg and injuries plaguing both Oscar Cortés and Rabbi Matondo, this position remains a pressing need. While players like Oguz Aydın of Fenerbahçe and Kwame Poku of Peterborough United have been linked, injuries and other factors could complicate their availability.
Despite being lesser-known, Arif Aiman Hanapi might just be one of the most intriguing options on their radar.
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