Key Points
- Rangers have initiated contact with Turkish outfit Besiktas regarding a potential permanent return for Czech international winger Vaclav Cerny before the 3 September transfer deadline.
- The 28-year-old winger previously enjoyed a highly successful spell in Glasgow, netting 18 goals and providing nine assists in 52 appearances during the 2024–25 season while on loan from VfL Wolfsburg.
- Rangers manager Derek McInnes is eager to bolster his attacking options at Ibrox following a failed move for target Couhaib Driouech.
- The Scottish giants face significant financial hurdles after Besiktas rejected an initial bid reported to be worth £5.1 million, with the Turkish club keen to retain the player after purchasing him for €6 million in September 2025.
- External interest from rival clubs, including Trabzonspor, presents further competition for the player’s signature.
- Former Rangers player and coach Barry Ferguson has publicly labelled the potential acquisition a “no-brainer” for the Ibrox hierarchy.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) August 20, 2026 – Rangers have re-opened lines of communication with Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas to negotiate a landmark deal for former Ibrox fan favourite Vaclav Cerny ahead of the fast-approaching 3 September transfer deadline.
As reported by Scott Burns of the Daily Record, the Scottish Premiership club have formally approached Besiktas to assess the parameters of bringing the 28-year-old Czech Republic international back to Light Blues territory on a permanent basis.
The potential move comes as Rangers manager Derek McInnes seeks to inject quality into his wide attacking options ahead of a demanding domestic and European campaign. However, key figures inside Ibrox acknowledge that significant financial and logistical hurdles remain before any agreement can be finalized.
Why Are Rangers Pursuing a Reunion With Vaclav Cerny?
Rangers’ desire to reunite with Cerny stems directly from his prolific single-season spell in Glasgow during the 2024–25 campaign under former manager Philippe Clement. Joining initially on loan from German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg, the winger quickly established himself as a central pillar of the team’s attack.
During his time in Scotland, Cerny amassed 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring 18 goals and supplying nine assists. His dynamic play on the right flank was particularly crucial in Europe, highlighted by a memorable two-goal performance against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
The requirement for an established right-winger has intensified at Ibrox after a proposed deal for Moroccan winger Couhaib Driouech collapsed. McInnes has made no secret of his intention to add senior experience to the squad, particularly as Rangers look to push for the Scottish Premiership title and progress through the European group stages.
Former Rangers midfielder and coach Barry Ferguson spoke passionately about the ongoing chase for the winger. As reported by Go Radio, Ferguson said:
“Yeah, no-brainer, if a deal can be done. He’s a difference-maker, he’s a top professional. He understands Glasgow, he understands what goes on here. He’s been here before and he’s a quality operator, so he ticks all the boxes for me.”
What Is the Major Transfer Hurdle Facing Rangers?
Despite the enthusiasm from within Glasgow, Rangers face a formidable obstacle in negotiating a realistic transfer structure with Besiktas.
The Turkish side only permanently signed Cerny from Wolfsburg in September 2025 for a fee reported to be around €6 million (£5.1 million), tying him to a multi-year contract at Tupras Stadium. As detailed by Ibrox News, Rangers have already seen an initial opening offer worth £5.1 million knocked back by the Besiktas hierarchy, who are under no immediate financial pressure to sell.
Cerny remains a key tactical asset for Besiktas manager Sergen Yalcin, who previously hailed the Czech international as an “exceptional” performer suited to his high-intensity style.
The winger has started the 2026–27 campaign in positive form, scoring a decisive goal against Eyupspor in the Super Lig and registering contributions in UEFA Europa League qualifying matches.
Furthermore, reports in Turkey suggest rival Super Lig clubs, including Trabzonspor, are monitoring Cerny’s situation closely, potentially triggering a bidding process that could price Rangers out of a direct cash transfer unless compromise terms or structured installments are agreed.
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Background to the Development
The context behind Rangers’ pursuit of Vaclav Cerny is rooted in the player’s progression across several top European leagues over the last decade.
Having emerged through the youth ranks at Czech club FC Pribram, Cerny earned a move to Dutch giants Ajax in 2014, making his professional debut in the Eredivisie. Subsequent successful spells at FC Utrecht and FC Twente re-established his reputation as one of Central Europe’s most effective wide operators, leading to an £7 million (€8 million) move to VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023.
When Cerny arrived on loan at Ibrox in July 2024, expectations were high. As officially documented by Rangers Football Club, former Manager Philippe Clement stated upon his arrival:
“I am delighted to welcome Václav to the squad, he is an exciting player, with valuable experience in European football… he will further strengthen our attacking options.”
During that single season in Scotland, Cerny won over the supporters with his direct running, creative vision, and crucial goalscoring contributions in high-pressure matches. Despite Rangers’ desire to retain his services at the end of the 2024–25 season, the club’s financial constraints at the time prevented them from matching Wolfsburg’s asking price, enabling Besiktas to swoop in and secure his signature late in the 2025 summer window.
Prediction: How This Development Could Affect Rangers and Their Supporters
Should Rangers successfully negotiate the financial barriers and secure Vaclav Cerny’s return before the September deadline, the immediate impact on the club and its fanbase would be substantial.
For the Rangers First Team and Coaching Staff, Cerny’s arrival would instantly solve a glaring tactical gap on the right wing. His familiarity with the high expectations of Scottish football removes the typical adaptation period required for foreign recruits. His presence would alleviate the creative burden currently placed on the central midfielders and provide proven output in both domestic league fixtures and European ties. Conversely, if negotiations fail and no alternative winger is signed, Derek McInnes risks navigating a congested autumn schedule with limited depth in attack, potentially widening the gap on their title rivals.
For the Rangers Supporters, a return for Cerny would serve as a major psychological boost. Having developed a strong rapport with the Ibrox crowd during his first stint, his signing would signal strong ambition from the board. His proven track record of delivering in derby matches and European nights offers the fanbase a reliable target man who can turn tight matches in Rangers’ favour.
