Rangers Eye 6ft 4in Italian Giant to Replace ‘Brick Wall’ Defender as Koppen Targets Transfer
Rangers' Finances Shape Transfer Strategy, with Nils Koppen Forced to Be Smarter than Previous Directors
Rangers Face Tough Competition for Nicola Bertola Amid Transfer Strategy Shift
Patrick Stewart has emphasized a shift in Rangers’ recruitment strategy, focusing on signing players for the club’s long-term benefit rather than catering to managerial preferences.
With a limited budget, Bosman signings and pre-contract agreements remain attractive options.
However, Rangers may miss out on a highly rated target who could be a key addition to Philippe Clement’s squad.
Rangers in the Race for Nicola Bertola
According to The Daily Mail, Rangers’ technical director, Nils Koppen, has identified Spezia centre-back Nicola Bertola as a potential cut-price signing.
However, securing the towering defender’s signature has become more challenging, as Inter Milan have also shown interest.
Competing with the Serie A champions would be a tough task for Rangers.
Standing at 6ft 4in, the Italy Under-21 international possesses the physical attributes to handle the demands of Scottish football.
Despite his height, statistics from Data MB suggest he is a refined defender, capable of more than just physical dominance.
Why Bertola Aligns with Rangers’ New Transfer Strategy
Bertola is exactly the type of player Rangers should be targeting.
Currently playing in Serie B, he would likely relish the opportunity to feature in European competitions and perform in front of 51,000 fans at Ibrox every other week.
His profile fits perfectly within Rangers’ evolving player trading model.
Moving on in-form defender Ben Davies—recently described as a “brick wall”—on a permanent deal and replacing him with Bertola would be a strategic move.
Despite his young age, Bertola has played across all three tiers of Italian football and has been a key figure for Spezia this season.
His contract expires in the summer, meaning Rangers could afford him, whereas a deal under contract terms might have been financially out of reach.
If Inter Milan proceed with their interest, Bertola could initially be loaned out, potentially giving Rangers an opportunity to secure an unexpected deal.
Even if the move doesn’t materialize, being linked with such a player signals that Rangers are heading in the right direction, targeting individuals who can contribute to the club’s long-term progress.
