Glasgow, 07.11.2018, Ibrox Stadion, Fussball, Scottish Premiership, Glasgow Rangers Imago Images
Former Rangers assistant manager Alex Rae believes a financial compromise between the clubs could open the door for Vaclav Cerny’s return to Ibrox.
Rangers have been exploring the possibility of striking a deal with Besiktas for the 28-year-old Czech winger during the current transfer window.
However, Cerny’s £45,000-a-week wages at the Istanbul club have emerged as a significant stumbling block in any potential negotiation.
Cerny is understood to be open to the prospect of a return to Rangers after falling down the pecking order at Besiktas.
The winger’s situation in Turkey shifted further after Belgian international Leandro Trossard signed for Besiktas in a £17 million switch from Arsenal.
Complicating matters further, Cerny still has three years remaining on his contract, and Besiktas are said to be in no rush to sell their asset.
Rae, who worked alongside Cerny during his time as Philippe Clement’s assistant at Ibrox during the 2024/25 campaign, says a loan deal remains a realistic possibility.
Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Rae said: “I think the fact that he went to Turkey, and the wages are quite substantial out there, but it hasn’t quite worked for him out there.”
Rae drew parallels with how Rangers have handled outgoing players, noting: “The teams that Danilo is going out to, or [Jose] Cifuentes – Rangers would supplement that.”
He outlined how a structured wage-sharing arrangement could make the transfer work for both parties involved.
Rae added: “I would imagine if you approached Besiktas and said ‘look, we will cover a certain percentage of that wage, with a fee’ then there may be some sort of compromise, and you might get him for a bit less.”
The suggestion points to a loan arrangement where Rangers contribute meaningfully to Cerny’s wages rather than Besiktas absorbing the full financial burden alone.
Cerny previously impressed during his time at Ibrox, making him a familiar and proven quantity for the Scottish Premiership club’s recruitment team.
With Rangers actively managing their squad and moving players on, the club appears motivated to bring in quality reinforcements at a manageable cost this summer.
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