‘I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!’ CHRIS SUTTON REACTS AS RANGERS AGREE DEAL TO RE-SIGN EX-IBROX FORWARD HERO BACK TO IBROX
Scottish football has been thrown into fresh debate as Rangers reportedly agreed a deal with Legia Warszawa to bring a former striker back to Ibrox, a move that could have significant implications for the Premiership title race.
The potential return has sparked widespread discussion among supporters and pundits, with questions being raised about how it may shift momentum in Glasgow.
Former Celtic striker and Scotland pundit Chris Sutton reacted to the news, admitting it was a huge development.
The player at the centre of the story is Antonio Čolak, who previously spent the 2022–23 season with Rangers before leaving the club the following summer. Reports suggest the Ibrox side believe the striker’s return would add experience, familiarity, and a proven goal threat to their attacking options.
Čolak enjoyed a productive spell during his first stint in Glasgow, scoring 14 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions. His movement in the penalty area and ability to convert chances quickly made him a regular presence in the Rangers side, and his numbers compared favourably with other forwards in the league during that campaign.
Prior to his time in Scotland, the Croatian striker had built a solid reputation elsewhere in Europe. He scored 20 goals in 36 matches for Rijeka during the 2019–20 season and followed that with a successful loan spell at Malmö FF in 2021, netting 14 times in 26 appearances. Those performances helped earn him a move to Rangers, where expectations were high.
After departing Ibrox, Čolak joined Parma, but his time in Italy proved more difficult. During the 2023–24 season, he managed three goals in 22 appearances, struggling to replicate the form he had shown previously. Despite that, Sutton believes a return to the Scottish Premiership could allow the striker to rediscover his sharpness.
Sutton Known for his strong Celtic leanings and outspoken views, Sutton suggested the deal could strengthen Rangers to the point where they are capable of outshining their rivals over the course of the season.
“It’s not good news from a Celtic point of view,” Sutton said. “This is the kind of move that can swing things. Rangers know exactly what they’re doing here.”
“This is a league he understands,” Sutton said. “He knows the defenders, the grounds, the pressure. If he gets confidence and service, he can score goals here. That’s why Celtic should be concerned.”
Sutton went further, suggesting the move could help Rangers close the gap or even move ahead of Celtic in key areas. While he acknowledged Celtic’s strength in depth, he warned that a reliable goalscorer could be the difference in tight matches.
“People underestimate how much one striker can change things,” he added. “If Rangers get more clinical, they can outshine Celtic over a season. That’s what frustrates me about this deal.”
Rangers supporters have largely welcomed the reports, viewing the potential return as a low-risk move for a player already settled at the club. Many have pointed to the striker’s previous goal record and familiarity with Old Firm fixtures as key advantages.
From a tactical perspective, analysts have noted that Rangers often struggled for consistency in front of goal during crucial periods last season. Reintroducing a forward with a proven scoring record in Scotland could offer a more direct attacking option and reduce reliance on wider players.
Scotland pundits have also highlighted the psychological element of the move. Bringing back a player who has already succeeded at Ibrox may provide a lift both in the dressing room and among supporters, while also sending a message to rivals.
Whether the deal proves decisive will depend on form, fitness, and how quickly the striker can reintegrate. However, Sutton’s reaction underlines the wider significance of the move.
When a former Celtic player and regular pundit openly admits concern that Rangers could outshine Celtic, it reflects just how impactful this signing could be. As the new season approaches, the spotlight will firmly be on Ibrox and on whether this decision alters the balance of power in Scottish football.
