Antonio Colak and the Rangers sliding doors claim as agent reveals Gamid Agalarov interest

Rangers supposedly came 'close' to signing FC Ufa starlet Gamid Agalarov last summer - before opting to sign free-scoring striker Antonio Colak instead, according to his agent.

Agalarov, 22, joined Ufa back in 2020 from hometown club Anzhi Makhachkala, for whom he scored five goals in 22 appearances in the third tier of the Russian football pyramid. Although he failed to instantly impress at the BetBoom Arena, his breakout season over last year's campaign saw him score 19 goals in just 29 games - claiming the Russian Premier League top scorer award as a result.

Being called up to the Russian national team last year, his international career was cut short as Russia were banned from international football due to the invasion of Ukraine in March. But despite Rangers' interest and 'high-level discussions' with Sporting Director, Ross Wilson, a deal could not be brokered - leading the Gers to sign Colak instead.

"From February onwards, Glasgow Rangers were extremely interested in signing Gamid," Akaev said.

"The club continued to show interest after those events in Ukraine. I have a good relationship with their sporting director Ross Wilson, but It didn't happen.

"Rangers have a Polish scout in Eastern Europe and he watched all of Gamid's matches and asked me for his details. But they weren't able to put together a concrete proposal and Rangers signed another striker instead."

Colak since signed in a £1.8m move from Greek side PAOK, and has already become a fan favourite at Ibrox with 13 goals in 18 appearances this season.

Meanwhile, Agalarov joined fellow Russian side Akhmat Grozny, starting just one game in 13 for the south Russian outfit.

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