CHRIS SUTTON REACT AS RANGERS RANGERS ANNOUNCED DEADLINE LATE SIGNING THAT SHOCK EVERYONE – EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT IT

Rangers stunned Scottish football on deadline day after completing a dramatic late move for Hansa Rostock striker Ryan Naderi, a deal that had looked destined to collapse just hours before the window slammed shut.

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, the Ibrox club agreed a deal that could rise to £5 million, making Naderi one of Rangers’ most significant attacking investments in recent seasons. The transfer was only confirmed late in the evening, with Scottish clubs permitted to register deals until 11pm, and Rangers using every second of that grace period.

The signing immediately sparked intense debate across the footballing landscape, with pundits, supporters, and former players all weighing in  none louder than Chris Sutton, who admitted the deal “came out of nowhere.”

A Deal on the Brink

For much of deadline day, Rangers’ pursuit of Naderi appeared to be faltering. Reports from Germany suggested Hansa Rostock were reluctant to sanction the sale, despite advanced talks and the player’s clear desire to make the move.

In a twist that only added to the chaos, Naderi was spotted arriving in Manchester, believed to be preparing for medical checks and final contract formalities. Yet, even with the striker already in the UK, no green light had been given by Rostock, leading many to believe Rangers were heading for a frustrating end to the window.

As the clock ticked closer to the deadline, confidence among the Rangers support began to fade until confirmation finally arrived that paperwork had been submitted and the deal was done.

Chris Sutton: “This Is a Proper Gamble”

Reacting to the news, former Celtic striker and now outspoken pundit Chris Sutton admitted the move had caught him off guard.

“Everyone is talking about this because nobody saw it coming,” Sutton said. “Rangers leaving it this late, spending potentially £5 million, and bringing in a striker from the 2. Bundesliga it’s a proper gamble.”

Sutton questioned both the timing and the profile of the signing, but acknowledged the ambition behind it.

“You don’t spend that kind of money unless you believe this guy can make an immediate impact,” he added. “Rangers have clearly identified Naderi as someone who can change their season. If it works, they’ll look clever. If it doesn’t, people will ask serious questions.”

Why Rangers Moved Late

Rangers’ need for a striker has been well documented. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of cutting edge in key moments have hurt their domestic and European ambitions this season.

Naderi, 24, has impressed in Germany with his physical presence, intelligent movement, and work rate, attracting interest from several clubs across Europe. Rangers moved decisively once it became clear they could secure the player before the window closed even if it meant pushing negotiations to the brink.

Sources close to the deal suggest Rangers were forced to increase their offer late on, convincing Rostock that selling now, rather than in the summer, was in their best financial interest.

A Statement Signing?

For Rangers supporters, the move represents more than just another transfer. It is being seen as a statement of intent, particularly after criticism that the club lacked ambition in previous windows.

Managerial staff believe Naderi’s style is well suited to Scottish football, where physicality, pressing, and aerial strength are vital. His versatility across the front line also gives Rangers tactical flexibility heading into the business end of the season.

However, expectations will be high from the outset and Sutton was quick to highlight the pressure.

“At Ibrox, you don’t get time,” Sutton said. “If he doesn’t score quickly, the scrutiny will be intense. That’s just the reality.”

Fans Divided but Excited

Reaction among Rangers fans has been mixed but largely optimistic. While some questioned the fee and the lack of Scottish Premiership experience, many praised the club for showing ambition and backing the project.

Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with supporters poring over highlight clips and statistics, desperate to see whether Naderi could be the striker Rangers have been crying out for.

Naderi is expected to be unveiled officially in the coming days, with Rangers keen to integrate him into the squad as quickly as possible. Whether he makes an immediate impact or requires time to adapt could define Rangers’ season.

One thing is certain: this is a signing that has shocked everyone and as Chris Sutton put it, “people will be watching this one very closely.”