Rangers Close in on Signing “Truly Great” Talent as Summer Rebuild Accelerates – Sky Sports
Glasgow Rangers are on the verge of securing one of their most exciting signings of the summer transfer window, as Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed that a deal is in place for the highly-rated Finnish international Oliver Antman. The Light Blues have agreed a fee with Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, believed to be in the region of £3 million, and the move is expected to be finalized in the coming days, pending medicals and final contract agreements.
This signing could mark a significant moment in Rangers’ continued summer rebuild under manager Russell Martin, who has made it clear in recent weeks that his squad still lacks the balance and cutting edge required to mount a serious domestic and European challenge.
A Summer of Change at Ibrox
Since Martin took over at Ibrox, the club has been active in the market, bringing in a number of new faces to reshape the team in his image. The arrivals of Djeidi Gassama, Mikey Moore, and others signaled a clear intent to rejuvenate the squad with youthful talent and attacking flair.
However, Martin was left frustrated after his team could only manage a 1-1 draw against Motherwell in their Scottish Premiership opener. In his post-match interview, he criticized the team’s mentality, demanding greater hunger and commitment from his players. His words left little doubt that changes were coming, and it now appears that Antman could be one of the key pieces to help address those issues.
Who is Oliver Antman?
Still only 23 years old, Oliver Antman has been regarded as one of the most technically gifted and intelligent young players in Dutch football. A product of the FC Nordsjaelland academy in Denmark, he transitioned to the Eredivisie where he quickly caught the eye with Go Ahead Eagles, contributing goals, assists, and standout performances from both flanks.
With 16 assists in 36 appearances last season and 7 goals in 22 international caps for Finland, Antman has already shown that he possesses the creativity and end-product needed at a high level. His ability to operate on either wing makes him a highly versatile option for Martin’s tactical setup, and his work rate and footballing intelligence have drawn praise from top analysts across Europe.
Dutch football legend Ibrahim Afellay once described him as a “truly great” talent, stating:
“That Antman is really… I think the treasurer is rubbing his hands. He’s just going to make a great transfer at the end of the season. That boy is so smart. He is also technically skilled and has depth in his game. A truly great player.”
What This Signing Means for Rangers
For Rangers, the signing of Oliver Antman isn’t just about adding numbers to the squad — it’s about introducing a new standard of technical ability and attacking sharpness. With domestic rivals Celtic continuing to invest and the demands of European football looming, the pressure is on Rangers to not only strengthen, but to evolve tactically.
Antman’s style fits perfectly with Russell Martin’s attacking philosophy, which favors high pressing, wide play, and quick transitions. His presence could open up more space for central attackers, while also adding much-needed creativity in the final third — something that was sorely missing during the stalemate at Fir Park.
Additionally, at £3 million, the deal represents smart business for a player with significant resale value. If Antman continues on his upward trajectory, he could eventually attract interest from top-five European leagues, positioning Rangers for a strong return on investment in the future.
Squad Implications and Competition
The arrival of Antman will also intensify competition for places among the wingers and forwards. With Gassama, Moore, and Curtis already competing for starting roles, the young Finn will have to hit the ground running. But that competition is exactly what Martin has been trying to instill — a team where no starting position is guaranteed and every player must earn their place through performances.
There are also potential implications for players like Scott Wright, who may now find themselves on the fringes of the squad, and Rabbi Matondo, who has struggled to deliver consistent output since his arrival. Martin may look to offload a few wingers before the window closes to balance the books and give Antman the best possible environment to thrive.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers faithful will be eager to see their new signing in action and will hope Antman can provide the spark needed to lift the mood around the club. With European fixtures fast approaching and domestic rivals strengthening, this is a pivotal point in the club’s season.
Should the deal be finalized as expected, Antman could be available for selection in the next week — a timely boost for Martin, who will be under increasing pressure to deliver results.
As the transfer window enters its final stretch, all eyes will be on Ibrox. With Antman nearly through the door and more moves potentially on the horizon, Rangers fans have reasons to believe that the future could be bright under Martin’s leadership.
Verdict: A Statement Signing
In Antman, Rangers are not just signing a promising player — they are investing in a project, a future leader in attack, and someone who could ignite a new era at Ibrox. If he lives up to expectations, this could prove to be one of the shrewdest pieces of business the club has done in recent years.
The deal may not be completed yet, but the excitement is already building. One thing is clear: Rangers are getting closer to landing a “truly great” player — and the rest of the Scottish Premiership should take notice.
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