Rangers Set Sights on Brazilian Magician
Glasgow Rangers have reportedly intensified their summer recruitment, turning their attention to Brazilian winger Weslley Patati, a standout performer for Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The interest follows the club’s ongoing pursuit of striker Dor Turgeman but signals a strategic pivot by the Ibrox recruitment team towards their teammate.
Dubbed the “Brazilian magician” by local fans for his dazzling dribbling and goal‑threatening flair, the 21‑year‑old forward enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in Israel.
He racked up 13 goals and 10 assists across 39 appearances, triggering admiration from clubs beyond Ibrox – with Dutch side AZ Alkmaar and Spain’s Girona also credited with interest.
Patati initially joined Maccabi in September 2024 on a three‑year deal from Santos for roughly €1.3 million, contributing to 14 goals and nine assists in 40 matches during the 2024–25 season, as well as helping secure domestic silverware.
However, these eye‑catching stats have come at a cost. Israeli reports indicate early bids of around £3 million have been rebuffed by Maccabi, who are reportedly holding out for up to €8‑10 million – a price tag that would likely exceed Rangers’ usual budget. Moreover, Santos retains a 40 percent stake in his economic rights, complicating any potential deal.
For Rangers, this marks a potential shift in recruitment style. Under manager Russell Martin, the club has already secured deals for Thelo Aasgaard, Joe Rothwell, Max Aarons (on loan), and Emmanuel Fernandez, signaling a more active spending approach. The acquisition of Patati, if successful, would represent a statement signing—possibly even breaking the club’s transfer record.
Patati is versatile, capable of playing across the front line, but has most often been deployed as a right winger – a role left vacant at Ibrox following Vaclav Černý’s departure.
His direct style—plugged with sharp acceleration and a willingness to take on defenders—already fits the mold of what Martin looks for in the wide areas.
Still, questions remain about the financial prudence of such a move. Rangers’ American owners have previously emphasized a deliberate, sustainable investment strategy. Committing up to €10 million on a relatively unproven player in a lesser‑regarded league risks straining that philosophy .
On messageboards like FollowFollow and RangersRumours, fans are torn – some argue the spending reflects ambition and modernisation, while others fear it indicates a departure from fiscal responsibility.
Rangers’ interest in Weslley Patati signals a bold recruitment stance: chasing young, dynamic talents ready to step into key positions. Whether financial constraints—or competition from Dutch and Spanish suitors—scupper a move remains to be seen. But one thing’s clear: if Rangers make an offer, Patati could be the defining winger of their summer.