---
title: "Striker falls down the pecking order, Rangers looking elsewhere for next target"
canonical: "https://readrangers.com/2026/08/24/rangers-striker-target-rayan-fofana"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
section: "Rangers News"
published: "2026-08-24T13:05:34Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T16:07:31Z"
---

# Striker falls down the pecking order, Rangers looking elsewhere for next target

**Rangers are said to be looking beyond Rayan Fofana in the club’s search for a replacement striker for Youssef Chermiti.**

In recent days, the [Scottish Sun](https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/16717124/rangers-rayan-fofana-youssef-chermiti-replacement-transfers-news/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ScottishSunSportTwitter&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1787344650) reported that Rangers could turn to the Lens striker to fill the void, but the prospects of such a move have been played down.

On Monday, the [Rangers Review](https://www.rangersreview.co.uk/news/26489763.rangers-advanced-talks-8-5million-kim-min-su-deal/) detailed that Rayan Fofana is “understood to have fallen down the pecking order having previously been on a short-list of potential recruits.

“A winger and a centre-forward are the priority positions at present following the deals for James Penrice and Kosta Nedeljkovic that saw McInnes strengthen in the full-back areas.”

Nedeljkovic became signing number 11 of the transfer window for [Derek McInnes](https://readrangers.com/tag/derek-mcinnes), but it’s clear that more is required. Quality is needed.

> Rayan Fofana is rapid, a good ball carrier and can create shots for himself.\
> \
> I’ve referenced before Rangers needing a different profile of striker with Chermiti out and he fits the bill!\
> \
> A loan makes sense for both parties, doubt he’d come to Scotland permanently at this stage. [https://t.co/mCIMjlwpgA](https://t.co/mCIMjlwpgA) [pic.twitter.com/T4QmE8D22q](https://t.co/T4QmE8D22q)
>
> — Kai Watson (@KaiGWatson) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/KaiGWatson/status/2090934956155425056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Rangers striker search continues

Talks are said to be ongoing with Portland Timbers over Kevin Kelsy, with another target under strong consideration.

The striker replacement for Chermiti and the wingers coming in (well, at least one) have to raise the level of the team.

In that regard, it’s imperative that Rangers get the right players, rather than the quickest deal.

With 10 days of the transfer window remaining, Rangers need to balance market movement with the demands of a busy schedule, starting with the Conference League decider against Jablonec on Thursday.

Hopefully, the team can [benefit from having no game at the weekend](https://readrangers.com/2026/08/24/rangers-benefit-no-weekend-game).

A further six fixtures will follow, through to the end of September when the international period comes around.

By then, we will know the identity of Rangers’ striker target and that man needs to be ready to contribute immediately.

All will be revealed soon.