Hearts Conference League rival eye transfer raid on Rangers as 'exciting talent' could make continental move
A soon-to-be rival of Hearts in Europe could make a move towards Rangers for fresh blood.
A Conference League rival of Hearts could move to raid Rangers to bolster their squad.
Pafos will face the Jambos on December 17 in their final league phase match after qualification for the UEFA tournament with Cyprus’ transfer window not shut until September 9. The Conference League squad deadline was Wednesday but they are still eyeing new signings and Clinton Nsiala could be one.
He signed for Rangers from AC Milan two years ago but appears frozen out under new manager Derek McInnes. A central defender, he has made 17 appearances, spending some time out on loan at Westerlo. Now Pafos could link him up with experienced central defender David Luiz and co.
What Rangers player could sign for Hearts European rival?
Foot CD claim: “Clinton Nsiala is being courted by Pafos (Cyprus First Division), according to several local media outlets. He is still under contract with Glasgow Rangers (Scottish Premiership) until 2028. Having fallen out of favor with the Scottish club's coaching staff since his arrival in July 2024 from AC Milan's reserve team (Italy), the young Congolese centre-back (22 years old) clearly sees himself elsewhere to get more playing time.
“However, both parties will have to speed things up because the summer transfer window in Cyprus closes on Wednesday, September 9th. Otherwise, he will have to wait until December for the winter transfer window. He's not as fortunate as Paul Nsio, who found a club for a loan with St Mirren, also in Scotland. The player, who came through the ranks at Nantes (France), was already loaned out last season to Westerlo (Belgium), where he finished the season.
“The Congolese central defender continues to train and has had a good season but has not always had the chance to show more of his talent, hoping that Pafos will take action to finalise this transaction.”
Barry Ferguson on Clinton Nsiala
One of his 17 Rangers appearances included being subbed in the first half during a 4-2 win at Kilmarnock in 2025 after his team trailed by a couple goals. Then-interim boss Barry Ferguson said: "Clinton's a young player, he's got huge potential, but it could have been a number of players. But I've been brought here to do a job, I have to make some tough decisions at times.
"I'm not scared to make tough decisions, but it worked. But listen, Clinton, we're going to work with him, we're going to make him better, and he'll learn from it. So it's nothing against the young man, as I said, I think he's got a bright, bright future in front of him. "