Rangers boss Russell Martin has been dealt a crushing blow in his bid to land highly-rated Israeli striker Dor Turgeman, as escalating tensions in the Middle East have derailed the transfer at the final hurdle.
Turgeman, who had emerged as a top attacking target for the Ibrox club this summer, now appears out of reach after Maccabi Tel Aviv changed their transfer policy in response to the ongoing regional unrest. The club has reportedly tightened restrictions on player exits, prioritizing squad stability over lucrative sales amidst the current uncertainty.
The collapse of the Turgeman deal has thrown Martin’s summer rebuild into chaos, with the new Rangers boss now forced to scramble for alternatives up front. With preparations already underway for European qualifiers, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Insiders suggest that Rangers were in advanced talks to bring the 20-year-old forward to Glasgow, with terms close to being finalized before the sudden U-turn. The striker had impressed scouts with his blend of technical skill and composure in front of goal, and was seen as a long-term solution to Rangers’ forward line.
Now, Martin is expected to shift focus toward other attacking targets, including a potential move for Kwame Poku, who is nearing the end of his Peterborough contract and could be snapped up for a minimal cross-border fee. However, that signing is also not guaranteed, with several other clubs circling the Ghanaian international.
Meanwhile, Max Aarons is poised to become Martin’s first official signing at Ibrox, as the English full-back finalizes a move from Bournemouth. But with a forward crisis looming, defensive additions may have to take a backseat.
The situation has left Rangers fans frustrated and anxious, especially as arch-rivals Celtic continue to strengthen, sealing deals for Benjamin Nygren and moving in on Japanese striker Shin Yamada.
While the club hierarchy remains optimistic about delivering reinforcements before the start of the season, the collapse of the Turgeman deal highlights the fragility and unpredictability of the transfer market in today’s volatile global landscape.
With the pressure rising, all eyes are now on Martin to find a new solution — and fast.