Rangers in talks to sign “box-to-box” sensation

There were no doubt fears that it would merely be Russell Martin 2.0 at Rangers, although Danny Rohl has quashed the doubters following a promising start to life at Ibrox.

Saturday’s thumping comeback win over rivals Celtic ensured the German coach has now picked up 29 points from his first 12 Premiership games in charge, losing just once so far.

It has been a different story on the continent, yet Rome wasn’t built in a day, with the Gers’ latest young appointment from south of the border proving far more fruitful.

With just six points separating the Glasgow side and league leaders Hearts at the Premiership summit, now is the time for Rangers to back their man and hand Rohl the appropriate tools to mount a real title charge.

If recent reports are to be believed, such work is already underway at Ibrox.

Rangers launch enquiry over January deal for midfielder

The January window is already almost a week old, yet Rangers have yet to strike thus far, albeit with the midfield ranks seemingly one area that Rohl is keen to strengthen.

Indeed, it has been reported in recent days that Motherwell’s Elliot Watt is on the club’s transfer radar, with the 25-year-old widely viewed as the “best midfielder in the league” so far this season.

Watt, however, isn’t the only midfield man on Rohl’s agenda, with Italian outlet Il Secolo XIX – via tuttomercatoweb – suggesting that talks have been held over a move for Emil Bohinen.

The report notes that the Gers have made an enquiry over signing the Norwegian playmaker this month, with the 26-year-old – who is currently on loan at Venezia from Genoa – potentially to seal another loan swoop in the coming weeks.

As per the piece, Bohinen is expected to make a ‘final decision’ over the coming days, with Rangers firmly in the mix for his signature.

Why Bohinen could be Rohl’s answer to Matt O’Riley

Any move for the Scandinavian talent could well be somewhat left-field, although as another English-born, elegant left-footer, he could perhaps emulate the success of a certain Matt O’Riley in Glasgow.

The London-born, Denmark international was plucked from MK Dons by Celtic back in January 2022, going on to become a key figure under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers over the next two years or so.

In all, the relative unknown quantity went on to rack up 62 goals and assists in 124 games in all competitions at Parkhead, prior to moving on to Brighton on a £25m deal in the summer of 2024.

A left-footed, 6 foot 1 midfielder, like Bohinen, O’Riley’s key strength was his box-crashing threat in the final third, notably scoring 18 Premiership goals in 2023/24.

Perhaps, Bohinen can follow suit elsewhere in Glasgow, with talent scout Jacek Kulig having described him as a “box-to-box” asset, while likening him to current Arsenal menace, Mikel Merino.

Formerly a Norway U21 international, it’s fair to say it’s been a difficult period for the wantaway star of late, having failed to score or assist a single goal during his time with Genoa and Venezia.

That said, he did score three times in just 12 games in Serie B for Frosinone, with the case of O’Riley highlighting why it is worth looking lower down the pyramid for a raw diamond.

Of course, at 26, Bohinen isn’t exactly a player for the future, although there is real potential there if he is able to find a settled home, having once chalked up 19 goals and assists in 73 games for Oslo outfit, Stabaek.

O’Riley had to navigate his own rocky path to Celtic, after being let go by Fulham before moving to Milton Keynes in England’s third tier, with his skill set and physicality ultimately proving a perfect fit for Scottish football.

Hopefully, the same could be true for Bohinen if Rohl and co can wrap up a deal in the near future.

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