Rangers appear to be edging closer to another attacking addition, with a scout claiming that Colombian winger Camilo Mena is now “very close” to becoming a Rangers player. The latest information has sparked fresh excitement around Ibrox, particularly after the club endured several frustrating attempts to strengthen the wide areas this summer. According to the report, there are growing whispers in Poland that a deal for the Lechia Gdansk winger could be approaching its final stages.
Mena has reportedly been on Rangers’ radar for much of the summer, but until recently there had been little indication that the transfer was close to completion. That appears to have changed, with Hutnik Krakow scout Andrew Gill claiming that he is hearing in Poland that Mena is “very close” to becoming a Rangers player. While that is not confirmation of a completed deal, it is certainly an encouraging development for supporters waiting to see more attacking reinforcements arrive at Ibrox.
The timing could hardly be more interesting for Rangers. Derek McInnes has already overseen a major rebuild of his squad, with ten new players reportedly coming through the door. However, the manager has continued to search for additional options in the wide areas, and the pursuit of Mena comes after Rangers experienced setbacks in their attempts to sign other wingers
One of those setbacks involved Couhaib Driouech. Rangers reportedly reached an agreement worth around £7 million for the PSV winger, only for the proposed move to collapse following medical concerns. That left McInnes needing to look elsewhere, and attention subsequently turned towards other targets. ([Asatu News][2])
Rangers have also reportedly seen a substantial bid for Brighton winger Amario Cozier-Duberry rejected. Reports indicate that Brighton have placed a £10 million valuation on the player, meaning Rangers would need to decide whether they are prepared to increase their offer significantly if they want to revive that particular deal. ([Yahoo Sports][3])
That makes the possible move for Mena particularly significant. Rather than continuing to chase increasingly expensive targets, Rangers could potentially secure a winger for a considerably smaller fee. Reports have suggested that the Ibrox club are prepared to offer around £3 million, while Lechia Gdansk have previously valued their captain at approximately £3.4 million. ([Asatu News][2])
There is also a financial reason why negotiations could move quickly. Lechia are reportedly under pressure to generate money through player sales, creating an opportunity for Rangers to negotiate. If the Polish club needs funds before the transfer window closes, they may be more willing to compromise on their original valuation. ([Asatu News][2])
Mena’s situation is therefore one Rangers supporters should watch very closely.
The Colombian is reportedly capable of operating in several attacking positions, although his main role has been on the right wing. Information circulating among Rangers supporters indicates that he has also played on the left and in more central attacking positions. That versatility could be extremely useful to McInnes as he looks to build a squad capable of handling a demanding schedule.
Rangers have already added Daisuke Yokota, another winger who can provide creativity and direct running. If Mena arrives as well, McInnes would have considerably more options when selecting his attacking players. The competition for places could become intense, but that is exactly the kind of situation a manager wants when competing across several competitions.
There is another interesting connection between Mena and Yokota. The two players have previously played together, meaning there is already some familiarity between them. That could potentially make their integration into the Rangers squad easier if Mena eventually completes the move to Scotland. ([Rangers Rumours][4])
For Rangers supporters, the possibility of having two tricky wide players operating from opposite sides will be particularly exciting. Modern football places enormous importance on attacking width, and McInnes could use Mena’s pace and directness to stretch opposition defences.
The club have struggled at times to create enough danger from wide areas, and adding another natural winger could help solve that problem.
Mena’s arrival would also give Rangers another option when opponents sit deep. His ability to take defenders on could create situations where Rangers are able to break down compact defensive structures rather than relying entirely on crosses or long-range attempts.
That could become particularly important in domestic football.
Opponents often defend deeper against Rangers because they expect the Ibrox side to dominate possession. Having wingers capable of beating their man can create the type of individual moments that unlock stubborn defences.
Mena could therefore provide something different.
The reported £3 million price tag would also make the transfer relatively attractive compared with some of Rangers’ other targets. The club would still need to be satisfied that he can adapt to Scottish football, but the financial risk would be lower than spending £7 million or £10 million on another player.
Of course, supporters should remain cautious.
The phrase “very close” does not mean a transfer has been completed. Deals can collapse even when negotiations appear to be advanced. Personal terms, medicals, contract details and transfer fees can all create unexpected problems.
That is why Rangers fans should treat the latest information as an encouraging update rather than official confirmation.
Nevertheless, the fact that the information is coming from a scout with connections to Polish football has added intrigue. Andrew Gill’s claim that he is hearing the move is close suggests that there is genuine chatter around the deal in Poland. ([Ibrox News][1])
The next few days could therefore be crucial.
If Rangers and Lechia can agree the remaining details, Mena could potentially become the latest addition to McInnes’ rapidly changing squad.
And the timing could work perfectly.
Rangers have a Conference League play-off fixture against Jablonec approaching, while their next domestic fixture is against Hibernian. A new attacking player arriving soon would have an opportunity to settle into the squad before the schedule becomes even more demanding. ([Ibrox News][1])
That is another reason why McInnes will want the deal completed as quickly as possible.
The Rangers manager has already been busy rebuilding his squad, but he knows that recruitment is only useful if new players are available when important matches arrive. Bringing Mena in early enough would allow the coaching staff to work on his understanding with his teammates.
The winger would also have to adjust to a different style of football.
Polish football has its own characteristics, while Scottish football can be highly physical and demanding. Mena would need to adapt quickly to the pace of the Scottish Premiership and the expectations associated with playing for Rangers.
Fortunately, he would not be entering an entirely unfamiliar environment.
The presence of other players and staff who can help him settle could make the process easier. McInnes also has experience working with players from different backgrounds and will expect his recruitment team to have assessed Mena carefully before making a significant investment.
The player’s role at Lechia could also be important.
He is reportedly the club captain, which suggests he has already developed leadership qualities despite being relatively young. If Rangers do complete the transfer, McInnes would be adding someone who is accustomed to responsibility rather than simply bringing in an inexperienced prospect.
That could prove valuable inside the dressing room.
Rangers need players who are prepared to handle pressure. Every match at Ibrox attracts huge attention, and mistakes are heavily scrutinised. A player who has already experienced the responsibility of captaining his club may be better prepared for those demands.
Mena’s statistics and performances will obviously be analysed closely, but statistics alone cannot tell the entire story. Rangers need to know whether his style will translate to their tactical system.
That is where the scouting process becomes so important.
The recruitment team will need to assess his decision-making, defensive work, movement without the ball and ability to cope when opponents deliberately target him.
His attacking ability is only one part of the equation.
McInnes will also expect his wingers to contribute defensively, particularly against stronger opponents. Rangers cannot afford to have attackers who simply wait for the ball. They need players willing to press, track runners and help the full-backs.
If Mena can provide that balance, his value to the team could be considerably greater.
The reported interest also raises questions about Rangers’ other winger targets.
Does Mena’s potential arrival mean the club are moving away from Cozier-Duberry?
Or could Rangers still sign both?
At this stage, it is difficult to know.
The club may want more than one winger. Reports have suggested that Rangers are looking for additional wide options, meaning Mena could potentially arrive alongside another player rather than replacing everyone else on the shortlist
That would certainly give McInnes plenty of attacking options.
Imagine having Mena, Yokota, Gassama, Findlay Curtis and potentially another major signing competing for wide positions. The manager would have different profiles available depending on the opponent and match situation.
Some supporters have already questioned whether Rangers need more than one winger, while others believe the squad still lacks enough quality in those positions. The debate is understandable given how difficult the club’s summer recruitment has been.
Mena could help settle some of those concerns.
But the pressure on him would be significant.
If Rangers spend £3 million on the player, supporters will expect him to contribute quickly. There will be little patience for a long adaptation period if the team struggles.
That is the reality of playing at Ibrox.
The club’s supporters want immediate results, particularly after Rangers’ difficult start to the season.
The team have already suffered disappointment in Europe and currently find themselves behind Celtic domestically, making every incoming transfer even more important.
McInnes therefore needs players who can improve the team rather than simply increase squad numbers.
Mena appears to fit the profile of a player who could do that.
He offers pace.
He offers width.
He can play multiple attacking roles.
He has experience of European football.
He has been playing regularly.
And, most importantly, he appears to be available for a fee Rangers could potentially afford.
That combination makes the reported interest understandable.
There is also the possibility that Rangers’ Conference League campaign could help persuade him to move.
European football remains a major attraction for players looking to develop their careers, and Rangers can offer the opportunity to play in front of huge crowds at Ibrox while competing on the European stage.
For a player coming from Poland, the move could represent a significant step forward.
For Rangers, it could represent another smart piece of recruitment.
However, nothing should be taken for granted until the paperwork is completed.
Football has produced countless examples of “almost completed” transfers collapsing at the final stage.
Rangers themselves have experienced that this summer.
The Driouech deal is a perfect example. A transfer can appear to be effectively done before something unexpected changes everything.
That is why the club will be determined to move carefully with Mena.
If the player really is as close as the scout claims, Rangers supporters could soon have official confirmation.
Until then, the most accurate description is that the deal appears to be progressing and there is growing confidence around it.
Mena’s potential arrival would also continue McInnes’ strategy of refreshing the Rangers squad with players who can bring energy and competition.
The manager has already made several additions, but he clearly believes more work remains.
The 5-1 victory over St Mirren provided some encouragement after a difficult start, with James Penrice making his debut after becoming the club’s tenth summer signing. (
Now the attention has turned towards another attacking player.
If Mena becomes signing number eleven, Rangers supporters could have another reason for optimism.
The Colombian could arrive at a crucial moment, with the club needing to improve performances and close the gap on Celtic.
He would also have the chance to establish himself quickly.
A strong debut could immediately win supporters over.
A goal or assist at Ibrox could create a wave of excitement.
And if he develops a successful partnership with Yokota or the other attacking players, Rangers could suddenly look much more dangerous from wide areas.
That is exactly what McInnes will be hoping for.
The manager knows that attacking football is not simply about having talented forwards. It is about having players who complement each other.
Mena’s ability to play from the right could allow other players to move into different positions. Yokota, for example, could potentially operate on the opposite side, while other players could be used as substitutes to change the pace of matches.
That tactical flexibility would be valuable during a long season.
There is also a potential benefit in having competition for places.
Players tend to perform better when they know another footballer is waiting for an opportunity. McInnes can rotate his squad without dramatically reducing quality.
That could become especially important when Rangers have European and domestic fixtures close together.
Mena’s reported versatility could therefore be one of the biggest reasons Rangers are interested.
He would not simply be another right winger.
He could potentially cover other positions when injuries or suspensions occur.
That flexibility can be worth a lot over the course of a season.
The reported interest also suggests Rangers are continuing to look beyond the traditional Scottish transfer market.
Recruiting from Poland could give the club access to players who may be available at lower prices than established Premiership stars.
If Mena succeeds, it could encourage Rangers to continue looking at similar markets.
But again, recruitment is about more than finding cheap players.
The player has to fit.
He has to adapt.
And he has to perform.
That is where the pressure now falls on Mena if the move is completed.
He would be joining a club where expectations are enormous.
Every mistake will be analysed.
Every good performance will be celebrated.
Every poor result will create questions.
But if he can handle that environment, Rangers could have found an exciting attacking option.
For now, the biggest takeaway is that the transfer appears to have moved closer.
A scout is hearing that Mena is “very close” to becoming a Rangers player, while reports indicate that Rangers are pursuing the Lechia winger and could be prepared to spend around £3 million. ([Ibrox News][1]
That is significant progress after several frustrating weeks in the club’s search for wide reinforcements.
Rangers supporters will now be watching closely for the next update.
If negotiations continue smoothly, the club could soon have their eleventh summer signing.
And if Mena proves to be the player many around Polish football believe he can become, McInnes may have found exactly the type of winger his team has been missi
The deal is not officially complete yet.
But according to the latest scouting information, Mena may be closer to Ibrox than ever before. ([Ibrox News][1])
