Russell Martin is on the hunt for something that can help kick-start Rangers’ season and ensure that his tenure in Scotland isn’t a black spot on his resume.
Near the bottom of the Scottish Premiership and having failed to qualify for the Champions League, the highlights of Rangers’ season so far have come in the Scottish League Cup. Ahead of the Cup win against Hibernian, Martin described what a positive result could mean for the team: “I think it is an amazing opportunity for us to come through this period as a squad, to grow through it and to be so strong from it, and hopefully at that point everyone will come together, we just need to win football matches.”
The 2-0 victory and the reintroduction of Nicolas Raskin into the first team could provide a much-needed boost, and the opportunity to knock Celtic out in the next round could bring something of a feel-good feeling to the team.
However, the side is still in desperate need of goals, and the 49ers group appear to have their eye on a youngster who could help Rangers with their goal scoring in the long term.
Rangers make first approach for Mexican youngster
The 49ers have their eyes on the Mexican league as they’re showing interest in a youngster from title contenders Cruz Azul. This comes in the form of 19-year-old attacking midfielder Amaury Morales.
The youngster’s appearances this season have been sporadic, but when given a chance, he has shown hints at why he is highly touted. In the Leagues Cup, when he was given a full hour to play, he helped his team by providing an assist when Cruz Azul were 2-0 down. His team then went on to score an equaliser and knock Colorado out on penalties.
Reports from Mexico, via Sport Witness, have indicated Rangers’ interest in the youngster isn’t just speculative, and they have made a first approach to Cruz Azul. The youngster’s contract lasts until 2029, and he is currently valued at approximately £1.85 million.
Rangers aren’t the only club interested in Morales, and Spanish side Espanyol have also been linked, although only the Scottish side are reported to have made contact. Rangers have a pre-existing relationship with Cruz Azul, as they loaned Carlos Peña to them back in 2018.
Big tournament for Morales
For the moment, Rangers will continue to monitor Morales with the hopes he’s given more chances to shine like he did against Colorado. Rangers fans will get a chance to see him at the international level as he will represent the Mexico U20’s at the Chile World Cup, where he will be competing with talented youngsters from Brazil, Morocco and Spain.
This will likely provide the Rangers scouts with a chance to see Morales’ potential, but with the calibre of nations in his group, he may end the tournament on the radar of a number of European clubs.
If things don’t turn around for Martin following the Hibs victory, and if the next few months see Morales receive more game time, then it’s possible that they roll the dice and bring him in during the winter transfer window.