Michy Batshuayi is a name that has been linked with several clubs in the past few months, but none more than Rangers. The Belgian striker, who once cost £33m and scored 25 goals for Chelsea, is reportedly in shock talks to return to the UK with the Scottish Premiership side. Here are some of the details about his potential move and his career so far.
Why Rangers want Batshuayi
Rangers are looking for a replacement for Alfredo Morelos, who has been linked with a move away from Ibrox. The Colombian forward has scored 18 goals in 28 games this season, but he may not be happy with the club’s ambition and style of play. Rangers are aiming to win their first league title since 2012 and challenge Celtic for supremacy in Scotland.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is said to be a fan of Batshuayi, who he managed at Lille in France. Clement was impressed by Batshuayi’s pace, power and finishing ability when he played under him at Lille in 2018-19. Clement also believes that Batshuayi can adapt to the Scottish game and culture quickly.
Batshuayi has reportedly failed to agree a new deal with Fenerbahce, where he joined from Chelsea in 2022 for £15m. The Turkish giants are willing to let him go this month if they receive an offer they can’t refuse. Everton are also interested in luring him back to the Premier League, but Rangers have an edge over them as they offer him a short-term deal until the end of the season.
How Batshuayi’s career started
Batshuayi was born in Brussels, Belgium, on February 14th, 1991. He started his career at Anderlecht, where he made his debut at the age of 16. He scored his first goal for Anderlecht against Standard Liege on November 11th, 2009.
He moved to Chelsea in January 2014 for £33m, becoming one of the most expensive Belgian players ever. He made his debut for Chelsea against Crystal Palace on February 21st, 2014 and scored his first goal against Liverpool on March 6th, 2014.
He struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Chelsea under
Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. He spent most of his time out on loan at various clubs such as Borussia Dortmund (twice), Valencia (twice), Crystal Palace (twice) and Besiktas (once). He scored only nine goals in 77 games for Chelsea.
He left Chelsea permanently for Fenerbahce in July 2022 for £15m after failing to impress under Thomas Tuchel. He rediscovered his form at Fenerbahce and scored 28 goals in 52 games last season.
What are Batshuayi’s strengths and weaknesses?
Batshuayi is a tall and strong striker who can hold up the ball well and link up with his teammates. He has good pace and movement off the ball and can stretch defences with his runs behind them. He is also good at finishing chances from close range or long shots.
However, Batshuayi also has some weaknesses that could hinder him at Rangers or any other club. He is not very agile or quick off the mark and can be beaten by faster or more skillful defenders. He is also not very consistent or reliable as he tends to disappear from games or lose form at times.
Batshuayi would need to improve his work rate, discipline and decision making if he wants to succeed at Rangers or any other club. He would also need to adapt quickly to Clement’s system and philosophy of play.
Michy Batshuayi is one of the most intriguing transfer targets of this January window as he could add quality depth and firepower to Rangers’ attack. However, he would also face some challenges if he decides to join them as he would have to prove himself again after leaving Chelsea on bad terms.
