Shankland tell Derek McInnes that he need to be starting this particular player along side with him if they really want him to perform this season

Rangers are reportedly closing in on another attacking addition, with fresh information suggesting that a highly-rated winger could now be “very close” to completing a move to Ibrox. The latest development has generated plenty of excitement among Rangers supporters, particularly after the club experienced disappointment in its pursuit of several attacking targets during the summer transfer window. While there is still work to be completed before anything can be described as officially done, the latest reports suggest that negotiations have moved into a more advanced stage.

 

The player at the centre of the latest speculation is Camilo Mena, the Colombian winger currently playing for Lechia Gdansk. Rangers have reportedly been interested in the attacker as Derek McInnes continues to reshape his squad and search for additional quality in the wide areas. According to scouting information emerging from Poland, there is growing confidence that Mena could soon be heading to Glasgow, with one scout claiming that he is hearing the player is “very close” to signing for Rangers.

 

That wording has naturally caught the attention of Rangers fans. Transfer supporters know that there is a huge difference between a club monitoring a player and actually entering the final stages of negotiations. If the latest information is accurate, Rangers have moved well beyond the early stages of their interest and are now working towards a possible agreement. However, supporters will also understand that a transfer is never guaranteed until the clubs have reached an agreement, the player has completed his medical and the necessary paperwork has been signed.

 

The potential arrival of Mena comes at an interesting time for Rangers. McInnes has already overseen a major overhaul of the squad, bringing in a number of new players as he attempts to build a team capable of challenging for trophies. Despite the number of arrivals, the Rangers manager still appears to believe that there are areas that need further strengthening, particularly in attack.

 

The wide positions have been one of those areas. Rangers have looked at several players during the summer, but not every pursuit has ended successfully. That has forced the club to continue searching for alternatives, and Mena has emerged as one of the names attracting serious attention.

 

The Colombian winger could offer Rangers something different. He is capable of operating in wide positions and has experience playing in Poland, where he has developed a reputation for his attacking qualities. His ability to run at defenders and provide an attacking threat from the flank could make him an attractive option for McInnes, especially when Rangers are facing teams that sit deep and attempt to defend in numbers.

 

One of the biggest challenges facing Rangers in domestic football is breaking down opponents who are willing to defend for long periods. At Ibrox, Rangers are often expected to dominate possession and create the majority of the chances. That can make individual creativity extremely important. A winger who is prepared to take on defenders, attack space and create opportunities can provide the type of unpredictability required to unlock a stubborn defence.

 

Mena could potentially bring exactly that to McInnes’ team. Rather than relying exclusively on crosses or combinations through the middle, Rangers could have another player capable of creating something from nothing. That would give the manager an additional tactical weapon and could make the team more difficult to defend against.

 

The reported transfer fee is another reason why the potential deal is attracting attention. Rangers are understood to be considering an offer in the region of £3 million, while Lechia Gdansk have reportedly valued their captain closer to £3.4 million. If those figures are accurate, the difference between the two clubs may not be enormous, which could give Rangers hope that a compromise can eventually be reached.

 

A relatively small gap in valuation can sometimes be overcome when the player is keen on the move and the buying club is prepared to negotiate. Rangers will obviously want to ensure they do not overpay, particularly after committing significant funds to other areas of the squad. At the same time, the club will know that quality attacking players can be difficult to find, especially when the transfer window is approaching its final stages.

 

Lechia’s own circumstances could also play a role in the negotiations. Reports have suggested that the Polish club may be open to selling players in order to raise funds. If that situation remains, Rangers could potentially have an opportunity to negotiate a deal that works for everyone involved.

 

For Mena, a move to Rangers would represent a major step in his career. Ibrox is one of the biggest football stadiums in Scotland, and the expectations placed upon Rangers players are enormous. Every match is played under intense scrutiny, while European football provides an additional platform for players hoping to establish themselves at a higher level.

 

The possibility of playing in front of thousands of Rangers supporters could be particularly attractive to a player looking to take the next step. Ibrox can create an atmosphere unlike almost anything else in Scottish football, and a winger who can excite supporters with direct attacking football could quickly become a fan favourite.

 

There is also the opportunity to compete for trophies. Rangers expect to challenge for domestic honours every season, and the club’s ambitions extend beyond Scotland through European competition. A player joining Rangers knows that the pressure will be significant, but he also knows that strong performances can lead to greater recognition.

 

Mena would not be arriving at Rangers simply to fill a squad position. If the club invests around £3 million in the winger, there will be expectations that he can make a meaningful contribution. McInnes would want him to compete for a starting position and provide genuine competition to the other attacking players.

 

That competition could benefit the entire squad. Players are often at their best when they know there is serious competition for their position. If Mena arrives and performs well, existing Rangers wingers will know that they cannot afford to become complacent. McInnes would then have more options when selecting his team.

 

The manager’s tactical flexibility could also increase. Depending on the player’s preferred role, Mena could potentially operate from one side of the attack while another winger plays on the opposite flank. Rangers could then change their approach during matches without necessarily having to make multiple substitutions.

 

This could be especially useful during European fixtures. Rangers will face opponents with different tactical approaches, and what works against a Scottish Premiership side may not always work against a European team. Having versatile attacking players gives McInnes more ways to adapt.

 

Another important aspect of the possible transfer is the experience Mena already has in European football and outside Colombia. Moving from one country to another can be difficult for young players, but Mena has already experienced playing away from his homeland. That could help him adjust to the demands of life in Glasgow.

 

Of course, playing in Scotland presents its own challenges. The physicality of the Premiership can surprise players arriving from other leagues, while the intensity of Rangers matches is considerably higher than what many players experience elsewhere. Mena would need to adapt quickly.

 

The pressure at Rangers would be another major factor. Supporters expect attacking players to produce goals and assists, especially when the club is spending money to bring them in. A winger can have an excellent performance but still face criticism if the final product is missing.

 

That is why McInnes’ assessment of the player’s mentality will be just as important as his technical ability. Rangers need players who can handle pressure and remain confident when matches become difficult. A winger who continues to demand the ball and take responsibility even after making mistakes can become extremely valuable.

 

Mena’s reported leadership role at Lechia could be encouraging in that regard. If he has been trusted with responsibility at his current club, it suggests that he has qualities beyond simply attacking talent. Rangers would be hoping those qualities can translate to Ibrox.

 

The potential transfer also needs to be viewed within the bigger picture of McInnes’ recruitment strategy. The manager has made significant changes to the squad, bringing in players from different backgrounds and attempting to create a team with greater depth and competition.

 

That process has not always been straightforward. Rangers have missed out on players, deals have changed direction and some targets have become too expensive. The collapse of the pursuit of Couhaib Driouech was particularly frustrating, as Rangers had reportedly been working towards a substantial agreement before the deal fell apart.

 

That setback forced the club to look elsewhere.

 

Mena therefore appears to represent another attempt to solve the same problem. Rangers need more attacking options, but they also need to make sure their recruitment is financially responsible. A deal around £3 million would be significantly different from spending £7 million or £10 million on some of the other players who have been linked.

 

That could make Mena an attractive alternative.

 

It does not necessarily mean Rangers have given up on their other targets, either. The club could still be interested in more than one winger if McInnes believes his squad requires greater depth. The number of matches Rangers could play across the season means having several quality options is not necessarily a luxury.

 

European football can quickly expose a squad that lacks depth. Injuries and suspensions can also change a manager’s plans overnight. If Rangers want to compete seriously on multiple fronts, they need players capable of stepping into the team without a significant drop in quality.

 

Mena could potentially become one of those players.

 

His arrival would also give Rangers another attacking option against defensive teams. When an opponent sits deep, a player with the confidence to attack one-on-one situations can be extremely useful. Even if he does not score, beating the first defender can create space for teammates and force the opposition’s defensive structure to move.

 

That can create opportunities for Rangers’ central attackers.

 

The relationship between the wingers and forwards will therefore be important. Rangers have already strengthened their attacking department, and McInnes will want the different pieces to work together rather than simply having several talented individuals playing independently.

 

A winger who understands when to stay wide, when to move inside and when to attack the space behind the full-back can make a huge difference.

 

Mena’s versatility could give McInnes that flexibility.

 

There is also the possibility that his arrival would allow Rangers to rotate more effectively. Instead of relying on the same players every week, the manager could select different combinations depending on the opposition. That could help maintain intensity over the course of a long campaign.

 

For the player himself, the challenge would be earning the manager’s trust.

 

Joining Rangers does not guarantee a starting position. He would have to compete with players already in the squad and prove that he deserves regular opportunities. That competition could be difficult, but it would also give him an environment where he can improve.

 

The latest report from the scout is therefore encouraging, but Rangers supporters should avoid treating it as confirmation. The phrase “very close” has appeared in many transfer stories over the years, only for deals to collapse at the final hurdle.

 

There could still be negotiations over the transfer fee.

 

There could be discussions about payment structures.

 

There could be disagreements over personal terms.

 

There could be complications with the medical.

 

And there could be interest from rival clubs.

 

Until all of those issues are resolved, Mena remains a Lechia Gdansk player.

 

Nevertheless, the fact that a scout with knowledge of the Polish football market is hearing that the move is close adds an interesting layer to the story. It suggests that there is genuine movement around the player rather than the Rangers link simply being speculation generated online.

 

That will encourage Rangers supporters who have been waiting for another attacking arrival.

 

The timing is also important. Rangers cannot afford to spend too much of the season waiting for their squad to take shape. The club are already involved in competitive matches, and McInnes needs his players available as quickly as possible.

 

If Mena is signed soon, the coaching staff can begin working on his fitness, tactical understanding and relationship with his new teammates.

 

The quicker he adapts, the quicker Rangers can benefit from his qualities.

 

The potential transfer also demonstrates how important scouting has become for Rangers. Instead of focusing exclusively on players already well known to British football, the club are looking across Europe and beyond for opportunities.

 

Poland can be an attractive market because talented players can sometimes be available for lower fees than established players in the major European leagues. However, Rangers must make sure that the players they sign can handle the unique pressure of playing at Ibrox.

 

Mena appears to have several qualities that make the move worth considering.

 

He has experience.

 

He has versatility.

 

He has attacking ability.

 

He has leadership experience.

 

And he is reportedly interested in the transfer.

 

Those factors make him an intriguing target.

 

The next stage will be whether Rangers can turn interest into an agreement.

 

If the reported difference between Rangers’ proposed valuation and Lechia’s asking price is only a few hundred thousand pounds, there is reason to believe negotiations could progress. Modern transfers often involve complicated structures, and clubs can find solutions through instalments, bonuses and performance-related payments.

 

That could allow Rangers to protect their immediate finances while giving Lechia the possibility of receiving the full value of their player over time.

 

The Polish club will understandably want to maximise their return. If Mena has become an important player and captain, they will not want to lose him cheaply. But if the player wants the move and Rangers are prepared to meet a significant portion of their valuation, an agreement could become possible.

 

Mena’s own preference could therefore be one of the key factors.

 

If Rangers are genuinely his preferred destination, that would give the Ibrox club encouragement. Players have considerable influence in modern transfer negotiations, particularly when they have made their intentions clear.

 

But Rangers will still need to conduct the process professionally.

 

McInnes will also be aware that bringing in another winger could have consequences for other players. Some members of the squad could see their playing time reduced, while younger players may need to be sent out on loan or used more selectively.

 

That is not necessarily a negative.

 

Healthy competition can raise standards throughout the team.

 

If Mena arrives and pushes his teammates to improve, the entire Rangers attack could benefit.

 

Supporters will also be interested to see where McInnes believes Mena is most effective. His natural position, preferred foot and ability to play on either flank could influence the manager’s decision.

 

If he is predominantly used on the right, Rangers could have a player capable of cutting inside and creating chances. If he can also operate effectively on the left, McInnes would have even greater flexibility.

 

There is another possible benefit.

 

Mena could provide an option from the bench when Rangers need to change a match. A fresh winger coming on against tired defenders can cause enormous problems. His pace and directness could become particularly valuable in the final stages of matches.

 

That could turn narrow draws into victories.

 

And at Rangers, those small margins matter.

 

When the club are expected to win almost every domestic fixture, a moment of individual quality can decide the outcome. A winger capable of producing that moment can become extremely important.

 

That is why the club are continuing to search for players in this position.

 

The potential Mena transfer is therefore about more than simply adding another name to the squad. It is about giving McInnes another tool to build the type of attacking team he wants.

 

If the player adapts quickly, Rangers could benefit almost immediately.

 

If he struggles, the club will have to be patient and give him time to adjust.

 

Either way, the move would represent a significant opportunity for the player.

 

He would be joining a club with huge expectations, a passionate support base and ambitions to compete at the highest level in Scotland.

 

For Mena, that could be the perfect environment to take his career to another level.

 

For Rangers, it could be another piece of McInnes’ rebuilding project falling into place.

 

The fact that the player is reportedly “very close” to signing has therefore created genuine anticipation.

 

But there is still a difference between being close and being confirmed.

 

Rangers fans have experienced enough transfer twists this summer to know that nothing should be celebrated until the club announces the signing.

 

For now, the reports indicate that talks are progressing and that there is increasing confidence around a potential move.

 

If the remaining details can be resolved, Mena could soon arrive in Glasgow, complete his medical and put pen to paper on a Rangers contract.

 

Should that happen, he would immediately become one of the players supporters will watch most closely.

The pressure will be there from the first day.

But so will the opportunity.

A strong start could make him a fan favourite.

A series of impressive performances could establish him as one of McInnes’ key attacking players.

And if he can contribute goals, assists and creativity, Rangers could quickly feel the benefit of the investment.

The possibility of Mena joining also adds another layer to what has already been a busy Rangers transfer window. McInnes has made it clear through his recruitment that he wants a squad capable of competing, and another winger would continue that strategy.

The club now need to finish the job.

The scout’s claim that the player is “very close” will have Rangers supporters watching for the next update.

If negotiations continue positively, the transfer could soon move from speculation to reality.

And if Rangers manage to secure Mena for a fee close to the reported £3 million figure, McInnes could potentially have found a player capable of adding pace, creativity and unpredictability without making an enormous financial commitment.

That would represent a potentially important piece of business.

For now, however, the situation remains one to watch.

Rangers are reportedly in the race.

Mena is reportedly keen on the move.

Lechia are believed to be open to negotiations.

And a scout is hearing that the Colombian winger is now “very close” to becoming a Rangers player.

The final stages of a transfer can often be the most difficult, so supporters will have to wait for official confirmation before assuming the deal is done.

But compared with where the story began, the latest update represents a significant development.

If Rangers can complete the agreement, McInnes may soon have another attacking weapon at his disposal.

And after the club’s frustrations with other winger targets, landing Mena could provide the boost that Rangers supporters have been waiting for.