Ibrox Eleventh-Hour: Rangers Strike “Verbal Agreement” for Hansa Rostock Star Ryan Naderi
GLASGOW — As the winter transfer window enters its final 12-hour sprint, Rangers are working feverishly to provide manager Danny Rohl with the firepower necessary to sustain a Premiership title charge. Following a frustrating stalemate at Easter Road on Sunday, the club’s attacking deficiencies have been thrust back into the spotlight, prompting a decisive move in the market.
According to Rangers Review journalist Chris Jack, the Ibrox side has reached a “verbal agreement” to sign 22-year-old German striker Ryan Naderi from Hansa Rostock. The move is being described as a critical contingency plan, ensuring Rohl has a fresh “number nine” option regardless of how negotiations for primary target Cameron Archer conclude.
The Goals Gap: Why Rangers Must Act
The necessity of this deal was laid bare during Sunday’s goalless draw against Hibernian. Despite an overall improvement in form under Rohl, the strike partnership of Youssef Chermiti and Bojan Miovski has struggled for consistency, tallying a combined total of just seven Premiership goals this season.
In stark contrast, league leaders Hearts have surged to the top of the table fueled by the clinical form of Lawrence Shankland and summer revelation Claudio Braga. The duo has already netted 21 league goals between them, highlighting the “magic” currently missing from the Rangers frontline.
The “Braga Blueprint”: Finding Value in the Pyramid
Rangers’ pursuit of Naderi draws direct parallels to Hearts’ successful gamble on Claudio Braga. Before arriving at Tynecastle, the 26-year-old Braga was a relative unknown, primarily playing in the Norwegian second tier. His instant impact in Scotland has proven that elite talent can be found outside the traditional major leagues.
Naderi, currently operating in Germany’s third tier, fits this “diamond in the rough” profile. Described by German football expert Kay-Ole Schönemann as a “difference-maker,” the 6’3″ striker has been in scintillating form for Hansa Rostock.
[Table: Ryan Naderi’s Career Trajectory]
Stats via Transfermarkt
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Hansa Rostock (Current) | 44 | 13 | 9 |
| Gladbach II | 53 | 10 | 9 |
| Dresden U19 | 22 | 7 | 1 |
| Gladbach U19 | 17 | 4 | 1 |
| Career Total | 141 | 35 | 20 |
The Tactical Fit: More Than a Target Man
Like Hearts’ Braga, Naderi is far from a one-dimensional “target man.” While his height makes him a massive physical presence, he is noted for his technical ability and his tendency to drop deep to link play. This versatility is evidenced by his five assists in the 2025/26 campaign, making him a dynamic fit for Danny Rohl’s tactical system.
The Deadline Day Dominoes
The arrival of Naderi—or potentially Archer—is the final piece of a winter overhaul that has already seen Tuur Rommens, Tochi Chukwuani, and Andreas Skov Olsen join the Gers.
Furthermore, Naderi’s arrival is expected to trigger the departure of Danilo. The Brazilian forward has an imminent move to NEC Nijmegen on the table, but Rangers have held off on giving the “green light” until a replacement is officially secured. With the verbal agreement now in place, the final hours of the window should see a flurry of activity as Rangers look to finalize their roster for the championship run-in.