By 247sportcity
Published: February 2, 2026
Rangers FC were at the centre of late transfer deadline day drama as the final hours of the January window saw three medical examinations underway, signalling a potential flurry of last-minute business at Ibrox.
With the Scottish Premiership title race finely balanced, Rangers manager Danny Rohl was eager to add attacking firepower before the 11pm UK deadline, prompting a frantic push to conclude deals as the clock ticked down.
Attacking Reinforcements the Priority
Rangers’ primary focus throughout deadline day was strengthening their forward line. Despite completing the bulk of their winter business earlier in January, the club remained active behind the scenes, exploring opportunities to add a striker capable of making an immediate impact.
Sources close to the club indicated that Rangers were prepared to act decisively if the right options became available, even if that meant fast-tracking negotiations and medicals late into the evening.
Ryan Naderi Deal Moves Quickly
One of the most prominent names in the late activity was Ryan Naderi, the highly rated young striker from Hansa Rostock in Germany’s 3. Liga.
Reports suggested Naderi had flown into the UK earlier in the day, landing in Manchester, with Rangers accelerating talks and arranging a medical examination. However, Rostock were understood to be reluctant to sanction a mid-season departure, raising doubts over whether the move could be completed before the window closed.
There was growing belief that, even if a January deal proved impossible, Rangers could return for Naderi in the summer.
Domino Effect of Incoming and Outgoing Deals
As is often the case on deadline day, Rangers’ business was heavily dependent on a chain of moves falling into place.
Interest in other attacking options — including Cameron Archer of Southampton — was believed to hinge on potential departures from Ibrox. One proposed outgoing move, involving Danilo and NEC Nijmegen, was reportedly placed on hold until Rangers were confident of securing replacements.
The “three medicals” referenced in reports were understood to include a mix of incoming targets and related moves linked to this wider reshuffle.
Window Closing with Uncertainty
As the 11pm deadline approached, uncertainty remained over which, if any, of the late deals would be completed in time. While medicals were ongoing and negotiations intense, not all targets were expected to arrive immediately, with some situations likely to roll over into the summer or be revisited via free-agent options.
What was clear, however, was Rangers’ intent. The club pushed aggressively until the final moments, underlining their determination to provide Rohl with additional attacking options for the crucial second half of the season.
Classic Deadline Day Drama at Ibrox
Ultimately, February 2 delivered the kind of deadline day drama Rangers supporters have come to expect — speculation, urgency, and late-night suspense.
Whether the late medicals translated into completed deals or simply laid the groundwork for future moves, Rangers ensured the final hours of the January window were anything but quiet as they chased momentum in a tight Premiership title race.