Rangers are in advanced talks to sign Akpe Victory, a 19-year-old centre-back currently playing for Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE, according to TEAMtalk. Discussions are reportedly progressing positively, with the player said to be enthusiastic about a potential move to Ibrox.
The imposing 6ft 5in defender joined Zalaegerszegi in January 2026 and has demonstrated promising physicality and composure in his limited appearances. Victory’s potential has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Benfica, and teams in Germany, Spain, and France are also monitoring his situation.
Rangers are believed to be leading the race for his signature and are preparing to submit a formal offer exceeding €5million (£4.3m / $5.8m). Victory is under contract with Zalaegerszegi until 2028, with an option for a further year, but views a transfer to Glasgow as a significant step forward in his career.
The potential acquisition of Victory could be particularly timely for Rangers, as speculation surrounds the future of current centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez. Fernandez enjoyed a breakthrough season with the club, earning a place in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, and has attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, and Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Chelsea. Feyenoord have also been strongly linked, and other clubs such as West Ham, Everton, Ajax, and Club Brugge have also expressed interest.
Rangers are expected to demand in excess of £20million for Fernandez, factoring in a sell-on clause owed to his former club, Peterborough United. While Fernandez has publicly stated his happiness at Rangers, the financial incentives and his growing profile may prove difficult to ignore. Securing Victory would provide Rangers with a long-term defensive option and allow them to proactively address any potential departure of Fernandez during the summer transfer window, bolstering their squad as they aim to challenge for the league title next season.
