Rangers’ £5m Lenny Joseph Move: Why the Ferencvaros Striker Could Solve Shankland’s Problems

The Light Blues remain in the market for a centre-forward following Youssef Chermiti’s ACL injury, with the striker expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026/27 campaign.

That has increased the pressure on Lawrence Shankland and Ryan Naderi, neither of whom has made a particularly convincing start to the season.

According to Foot Mercato, Rangers have identified Joseph as a potential solution, although Ferencvaros are reluctant to sell and could demand at least £5 million for the Haiti international.

The Rangers striker problem

Shankland's winning penalty against Aberdeen provided the immediate result Rangers needed, but his overall performance highlighted why McInnes could still want another striker.

The Scotland international played 86 minutes, registering three shots but creating no key passes or big chances.

His physical battle with Aberdeen's defenders was particularly concerning.

Shankland vs AberdeenStatMinutes86Shots3Goals1Key passes0Big chances created0Ground duels won0/5Aerial duels won1/3

Shankland has also yet to score from open play in his first eight appearances of the campaign.

That makes the possibility of adding a more mobile and physical forward particularly interesting.

The Joseph-Shankland comparison

The biggest attraction of Joseph is that his profile appears to address several of the weaknesses Rangers have experienced from Shankland.

Joseph enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign with Ferencvaros, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions since the beginning of last season.

He also showed that he can contribute against stronger European opposition.

In the Europa League last season, Joseph produced two goals and two assists in four starts and 12 appearances.

More importantly, his numbers suggest he can offer Rangers something different in possession.

Joseph ranked particularly highly for successful dribbles and duels won in the Europa League, areas that could make him a better fit for a Rangers side needing greater movement and physicality up front.

Why Lenny Joseph could fit McInnes’ Rangers

Joseph's value isn't simply his goalscoring record.

The 25-year-old can operate as a more dynamic No. 9, capable of running the channels, competing physically with defenders and carrying the ball into dangerous areas.

That could give McInnes another tactical option.

Instead of relying on Shankland to operate primarily as a penalty-box striker, Joseph could stretch opposing defences and provide an outlet when Rangers need to play more directly.

His physical numbers are particularly encouraging.

During the 2025/26 Europa League campaign, Joseph recorded:

• 50 duels won — top 6% among strikers
• 23 aerial duels won — top 9%
• 10 successful dribbles — top 8%
• 2 assists — top 8%
• 1.31 xA — top 4%

Those numbers point towards a forward who can influence more than just the final touch.

The £5m question

The obvious obstacle is the asking price.

Ferencvaros reportedly do not want to sell Joseph and could demand at least £5 million before considering a deal.

For Rangers, that represents a significant investment in a striker who is yet to prove himself in one of Europe's major domestic leagues.

But the circumstances could justify the gamble.

Chermiti's injury has left Rangers short of options, while Shankland's lack of goals from open play has increased the need for another solution.

Joseph also arrives with European experience and a record of contributing both goals and assists.

Rangers need to act before the deadline

McInnes still has time to reshape his squad, but the striker situation makes the position one of Rangers' most pressing priorities.

Shankland can certainly improve, and his penalty against Aberdeen demonstrated that he remains capable of producing decisive moments.

But Rangers need more than penalties.

They need a striker capable of creating separation, winning physical battles, holding the ball up and threatening defenders in behind.

Joseph's profile suggests he could provide exactly that.

If Ferencvaros lower their demands or Rangers decide the £5m+ investment is justified, the Haiti international could become one of the most intriguing late additions at Ibrox—and potentially the competition that forces Shankland to raise his level.