HomeNewsCamilo Mena emerges as Rangers target after standout season in Poland

Camilo Mena emerges as Rangers target after standout season in Poland

Rangers are reportedly keeping a close eye on Lechia Gdansk winger Camilo Mena as Derek McInnes continues his search for attacking reinforcements before the transfer window closes.

The Colombian wide man has emerged as one of the latest names to be linked with a move to Ibrox following an impressive campaign in Poland, where he established himself as one of Lechia Gdansk’s standout performers despite the club’s disappointing season.

Rangers have already enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market, bringing eight new players to the club as McInnes continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign. However, the recruitment drive is far from over, with strengthening the wide areas remaining one of the club’s priorities.

The recent departure of Oliver Antman has only increased the need for another winger, and Mena is understood to be among the players Rangers are monitoring.

Camilo Mena could be available for a reduced fee

One factor making Mena an attractive target is his potential availability.

Lechia Gdansk suffered relegation from the Polish top flight last season, a setback that could force the club into selling some of their key players before the transfer window closes.

Reports suggest the Polish side currently value the 23-year-old at around £3.4 million, but that asking price could fall as they prepare for life in the second division.

With financial pressures often following relegation, Rangers could be presented with an opportunity to secure one of the Ekstraklasa’s most exciting attacking players for less than his original valuation.

The Ibrox club are not alone in their admiration, however.

French side Saint-Étienne and Brazilian giants Palmeiras have also been credited with an interest, meaning Rangers may face stiff competition if they decide to submit a formal offer.

Negotiations are not believed to be advanced at this stage, but Mena is understood to be firmly on Rangers’ shortlist as the club continue assessing options across Europe.

A breakthrough season in Poland

Mena enjoyed the best campaign of his career last season despite Lechia Gdansk’s struggles.

The Colombian winger contributed 13 goal involvements in 32 league appearances, consistently providing creativity and attacking threat in a side battling near the bottom of the table.

His ability to create chances, beat defenders in one-on-one situations and contribute with goals has attracted attention from several clubs, with Rangers among those impressed by his performances.

Comfortable playing on either flank but most effective from the right wing, Mena possesses the pace and direct running that McInnes is believed to be looking for as he reshapes Rangers’ attack.

His profile also fits the club’s recent recruitment strategy, with Rangers placing greater emphasis on signing younger players who can make an immediate impact while also retaining significant resale value.

From Colombia to Europe

Although Mena may not yet be a household name among Rangers supporters, he has been regarded as one of Colombia’s brightest prospects for several years.

A product of Tigres FC’s academy, he made his senior debut at just 15 years of age, underlining the belief in his talent from an early stage.

His rapid rise earned him international recognition, with The Guardian naming him among the world’s most promising young footballers in 2019 alongside future stars including Jeremy Doku, Eduardo Camavinga and Ansu Fati.

After making his breakthrough in Colombia, Mena moved to Deportivo Pereira before taking the unusual step of joining Latvian side Valmiera.

The move proved to be an excellent platform for his development.

Across two seasons in Latvia, he scored 16 goals while continuing to develop physically and tactically before earning a transfer to Lechia Gdansk.

His performances in Poland have since elevated his reputation further, with clubs from several countries now tracking his progress.

Why Mena fits Rangers’ plans

Adding another winger appears to be one of Rangers’ priorities before the transfer deadline.

The squad has undergone significant changes in recent months, and McInnes is believed to be looking for greater pace, creativity and goal threat in the final third.

Mena would offer exactly that.

His willingness to attack defenders, ability to carry the ball over long distances and improving end product make him an intriguing option for a Rangers side looking to become more dynamic in wide areas.

At 23 years old, he also represents the type of signing that fits the club’s long-term recruitment model, combining immediate first-team quality with the potential for future development.

With interest also coming from France and Brazil, Rangers may need to act quickly if they decide to turn their interest into a formal offer.

As the transfer window enters its final stages, Camilo Mena is certainly a name worth watching, and he could yet become the latest addition to Derek McInnes’ evolving Rangers squad if negotiations gather pace in the weeks ahead.

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular