Rangers Receive Boost In Pursuit Of This Brazilian: Why Martin Must Keep Close Tabs On His Situation | OneFootball

If a recent report from Ynet is believed to be true, Weslley Patati, the rumoured Rangers target, has demanded a significant pay rise or a summer exit from Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Israeli heavyweights knocked back offers of around €4m amid interest from AZ and UAE clubs earlier this window.

Told the attacker’s entourage while speaking to Ynet.

Maccabi are determined to keep hold of him for the current campaign, and the astronomical valuation has been set to deter his suitors, including Rangers.

The 21-year-old Brazilian progressed through the academy ranks of Atlético Maranhense and Santos back in his homeland before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad in 2022. He represented them sporadically over the next couple of years, and eventually completed a  €1.45m transfer to the Yellows last summer.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY – NOVEMBER 28: Weslley Patati of Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Rafa Silva and Jonas Svensson of Besiktas during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Besiktas JK and Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC at Besiktas Park on November 28, 2024, in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Patati proved to be an instant success in Tel Aviv, netting 13 goals and assisting 10 times in 39 appearances across competitions. He has started the season brightly by netting against Hapoel Beer Sheva despite losing 2-1 in the Israel Super Cup final, and his representatives still hope to arrange a transfer for €7m if Maccabi fails to qualify for the Champions League main draw.

Why Rangers Must Keep a Close Eye on The Attacking Ace

Rangers are undergoing another transition, this time under Russell Martin, following the Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises takeover. Summer signings Lyall Cameron, Joe Rothwell, and Thelo Aasgaard have bolstered the midfield, and so have Max Aarons, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Nasser Djiga, as the trio should restore stability in the defensive third.

While the search is on for another goalkeeper, having been linked with a move for Sheffield Wednesday teenager Pierce Charles, the focus must now shift to strengthening the frontline after parting ways with Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Vaclav Cerny. The latter was exquisite from the right; however, Wolfsburg’s asking fee for the Czech winger prevented Rangers from making his loan move permanent.

The Light Blues snapped up Djeidi Gassama from the cash-strapped Owls. The former PSG starlet is expected to slot in down the left, but the gaffer has yet to rope in Cerny’s successor on the right-hand flank.

Despite his versatility across the attacking third, Patati is most effective from the right as an inverted winger. He prefers to cut inside to use his stronger left foot, and his flair and finesse high up the pitch should see him flourish under Martin. But it remains to be seen whether the situation develops in their favour.