Rangers Confident of Completing Vaclav Cerny Return as Derek McInnes Begins Ibrox Rebuild

Rangers could be edging closer to bringing winger Vaclav Cerny back to Ibrox this summer, with former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness believing a deal can be completed for around £5 million.

The Czech international enjoyed a highly successful spell with Rangers during the 2024/25 season, becoming one of the club’s most influential attacking players. His performances made him a fan favourite, and many supporters have continued to hope that the club would find a way to secure his services on a permanent basis.

Now, with Derek McInnes officially in charge and beginning the task of rebuilding the squad ahead of the new campaign, Cerny’s name has once again emerged as a major transfer target.

According to Wyness, Rangers are in a strong position to negotiate a deal with Besiktas, especially if the Turkish side are prepared to accept a slightly reduced fee. Reports suggest Besiktas would ideally like to recover the £6 million they paid for the player, but Wyness believes an offer in the region of £5 million, potentially supplemented with performance-related add-ons, could be enough to convince them to sell.

Cerny’s previous spell in Glasgow demonstrated exactly why Rangers supporters rate him so highly. Across all competitions, he contributed 18 goals and nine assists, consistently delivering creativity, pace and attacking quality from wide areas. His ability to create chances while also contributing directly to the scoreboard made him one of the most effective attacking players in the squad.

For McInnes, signing players who already understand the demands of Scottish football could be a major advantage. Unlike many foreign recruits who require time to adapt to the physicality and intensity of the Scottish Premiership, Cerny has already proven he can thrive in the league environment.

That experience could be particularly important after Rangers’ disappointing experience with Andreas Skov Olsen. The Danish winger arrived with a strong reputation but struggled to make the desired impact during his time in Glasgow. Cerny, by contrast, has already shown he can succeed under pressure at Ibrox and handle the expectations that come with representing one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

Wyness believes this familiarity with the league is one of the strongest reasons Rangers should push hard to complete the transfer.

The former football executive described Cerny as exactly the type of player Rangers need at this stage of their rebuild. He pointed to the winger’s experience, proven quality and previous success in Scottish football as factors that make him an attractive target.

McInnes faces a significant challenge as he attempts to restore Rangers to the top of Scottish football following a disappointing campaign that saw the club finish behind both Celtic and Hearts. Improving the attacking areas of the squad is expected to be one of his top priorities, and Cerny’s return would immediately strengthen those options.

Recent reports have also suggested that Rangers may be prepared to make an exception to their evolving transfer strategy in order to secure the deal. The club has reportedly been moving toward a recruitment model focused on younger players who offer future resale value.

At 28 years old, Cerny does not fit that profile perfectly. However, Rangers recognise that proven quality and immediate impact can sometimes be more valuable than potential future profit.

The club’s recruitment team reportedly view Cerny as a unique case because of his previous success at Ibrox and the certainty he would bring to the squad. Rather than gambling on another player adapting to Scottish football, Rangers would be signing someone who has already demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level in the Premiership.

Financial considerations remain important. Rangers are not expected to spend huge sums during the current transfer window, meaning any deal would need to represent good value. That is why the possibility of securing Cerny for around £5 million has generated optimism among supporters and club officials alike.

The winger’s return would also send a positive message to the fanbase. After a frustrating season, supporters are eager to see players arrive who can immediately improve results and help the team challenge for trophies again.

Cerny’s combination of goals, assists, experience and familiarity with the club makes him one of the most attractive options available. His previous success means there is less uncertainty surrounding his potential impact compared to many other transfer targets.

As McInnes continues assessing his squad and identifying priorities, the pursuit of Cerny could become one of the defining stories of Rangers’ summer transfer window. If negotiations progress positively, the club may soon have the opportunity to welcome back a player who already knows what it takes to succeed at Ibrox.

For now, discussions are expected to continue, but confidence appears to be growing that Rangers can strike an agreement. Should the deal be completed, it would represent one of the most significant signings of McInnes’ early reign and provide a major boost to the club’s hopes of mounting a stronger title challenge next season.