Rangers are thought to be just one of a number of clubs interested in signing Chelsea attacker Adrian Akande, according to an exclusive report by AllNigeriaSoccer.com.
The 15-year-old is believed to be highly-rated and has already been invited to join the Nigeria international side at the Under-17 level.
Interest in the teenager is fierce, with Rangers expected to have to go up against the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur from the Premier League, their Old Firm rivals and Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim.
Hardly a household name by any means, but Akande appears to be a player with a bright future ahead of him if the interest being shown in him is anything to go by.
With the calibre of the clubs that have been reported to be looking at making a move for him, the teenager appears to have some quality about him and his game.
Perhaps, the fact that he managed to score 30 goals and assisted 22 in 42 games for the Blues’ youth teams last season (AllNigeriaSoccer) is why he has attracted huge clubs for his signature at such a young age.
Or, maybe, the glowing reference that his agent has provided is why Rangers are keen on trying to bring him to Ibrox.
Tobi Alabi stated that he felt Akande was comparable to the likes of La Liga duo Ousmane Dembele and Eden Hazard.
“He plays like (Real Madrid’s Eden) Hazard and Barcelona’s (Ousmane) Dembele,” said Alabi (AllNigeriaSoccer). “He is two-footed, very quick and strong on the ball. He can score the same, with both right foot and left foot and he is a hard worker.
”He has no weaknesses. I saw a mention that defensively he isn’t strong but he’s not a defender, he’s an attacker so his defensive capabilities aren’t important. Of course, he will work hard for his team but he’s not a defender.”
Rangers certainly appear to have a huge battle on their hands if they are to try and land Akande, but perhaps, Joe Aribo’s rise could offer the Scottish Premiership outfit some hope in landing him.
The 15-year-old is allegedly determined to play for Nigeria in the future, something that the current Gers midfielder has recently managed to achieve, so that may offer the teenager some hope that a move to Ibrox could help him realise that dream.
Rangers fans, do you think Gerrard would be able to convince Akande to join the club? Let us know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below!
