The big Batshuayi or Shankland to Rangers transfer question as tale of the tape throws up value for money shootout

Season

Games

Goals

Xg per 90

Goals per 90

2021/22

0.41 (10.97 goals total)

2022/23

0.59 (7.97 goals total)

2023/24

0.88 (2.23 goals total)

They were continually linked with Lawrence Shankland, then signed Fabio Silva on loan.

Now Michy Batshuayi has emerged as a reported Rangers transfer target amid continued shouts for them to sign Shankland. So the question that should naturally be asked is, who would make more sense for Philippe Clement? A deal for his fellow Belgian is by no means a certainty, with astronomical wages a hurdle that must be overcome.

Nor would it be a formality to prise Shankland away from Tynecastle. The Jambos skipper is their top scorer and still has 18 months left on his contract, so it would take a big bid to even get the capital club to the table to discuss a January switch. Gers don’t appear exactly flush and with Steven Naismith eying third place and potential qualification for the Europa Conference League group stage, Shankland's goals could be worth £5million to him and the Gorgie hierarchy.

There are pros and cons to weigh up when considering which would be the better option. Batshuayi has the profile and elite level experience; Shankland has the Premiership knowhow and proven track record.

Both would be expensive, but that's a relative term. Rangers would have to pay a substantial fee for Shankland, but his wages likely wouldn't come close to what Batshuayi is currently earning with Fenerbahce. Batshuayi is 30, and while no means past it, is a couple of years older than Shankland, which could come into play when considering longer-term contracts.

And that's before we look at their respective stats on the park, with data now a KPI when it comes to recruitment. Record Sport takes a look at