Rangers miss out on Bayern Munich free‑agent Emirhan Demircan – Romano reveals
Rangers have reportedly missed out on signing promising Bayern Munich winger Emirhan Demircan, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The 20‑year‑old Turkey U‑21 international was available on a free transfer after leaving Bayern Munich II and, despite interest from several clubs, opted to join Dutch Eredivisie side FC Utrecht.
The deal breakdown
Demircan, who has been with Bayern since 2017 and earned six goals with five assists in 20 Regionalliga Bayern games last season, was one of four clubs linked with his services – those being Rangers, Hoffenheim, and Besiktas. Ultimately, the player signed a three‑year contract with Utrecht after completing his medical.
Fabrizio Romano was first to break the tweet‑scoop announcing that Demircan “turned down offers from Besiktas, Glasgow Rangers and Hoffenheim to join Utrecht.” ([inkl.com][2]) The switch highlights the increasing pull of Dutch clubs in securing rising European talents.
Why Rangers lost out
Rangers, under new boss Russell Martin, have been scanning the free‑agent market for attacking reinforcements. But despite being in the mix for Demircan, the Ibrox outfit were unable to match the player’s personal and career aspirations, according to insiders. That’s especially notable given the club’s potential to offer European football and their recent influx of American investment.
There’s also a broader narrative emerging: even with cash to spend, Rangers are finding that signing free agents, especially promising youngsters, is no guarantee. As Romano sarcastically observed, “With the amount of money Rangers have at their disposal, how can any player turn them down?”
Player profile & potential
Demircan is a versatile attacker capable of playing on either flank or centrally. As Bayern II’s top scorer, he drew headlines in Germany. Yet his integration into Bayern’s senior system was hindered by injuries after November and criticism around his off‑ball movement.
Analysts believe a new environment at Utrecht—which finished 4th in the Eredivisie and qualified for Europa League qualifiers—offers an ideal stage for his development.
FC Utrecht’s three‑year deal grants Demircan stability and a chance to feature in continental competition, making the move an attractive proposition over settling in Scotland.
Strategic implications for Rangers
This development provides an early litmus test for Rangers’ recruitment policy under Russell Martin: can the club stem the gap to Celtic not just by spending, but by convincing ambitious youngsters to choose Ibrox? With Demircan turning them down, Rangers must continue their hunt for players who can immediately contribute to Scottish Premiership and European ambitions.
Rangers’ pursuit of Demircan underscores a growing challenge: attracting and signing promising talents isn’t ensured even with competitive offers and European football. Instead, club identity, player development paths, and timing play decisive roles.