Why Taxiarchis Fountas would be a good signing for Rangers
According to claims from Greek outlet Sport 24 (h/t Scottish Sun), Rangers have been credited with an interest in Greek international forward Taxiarchis Fountas, who currently plies his trade with Rapid Vienna in the Austrian Bundesliga.
As per the report, Atalanta and Stuttgart have also been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, who is rated at £5million by his current club. Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is keen to make further additions to his squad before the deadline next month.
Profile
Taxiarchis Fountas started his professional career with AEK Athens in his native Greece before joining Austrian giants RB Salzburg in 2013. However, he made just a single first-team appearance for Salzburg and spent time on loan at a number of other clubs before completing a permanent move back to his homeland with Panionios.
The left-footed attacker made a return to Austria with St. Polten before being snapped up by heavyweights Rapid Vienna last summer. Fountas bagged a career-best tally of 20 goals in 29 appearances during the 2019-20 campaign and has continued to fire on all cylinders this season as well, scoring 5 goals in 5 appearances across all competitions.
The 25-year-old made his senior international debut for Greece back in 2015 and has since earned 4 caps for his nation.
Fountas would be a good option if Rangers lose Morelos
Rangers have already roped in the likes of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe to bolster their attack this summer, with Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe already competing for places. Hence, as things stand, the Gers currently have four strikers in their ranks, thus nullifying the need to make any more additions to that department.
However, things could change dramatically if Rangers end up losing talismanic hitman Morelos before the deadline amid widespread interest, with Lille being the latest club to submit an offer for the Colombian. The Ibrox outfit don’t necessarily need to sell but an exit certainly can’t be ruled out should they receive a bid that is too good to turn down.
To that end, Steven Gerrard would be smart enough to line up some replacements in the market and Taxiarchis Fountas seems like a good option for Rangers. Of course, stepping into Morelos’ shoes at the club would be a massive ask considering his prolific record. But it’s worth noting that the Greek international has registered some impressive numbers in recent times.
The 25-year-old offers something different due to his left-footed nature as a striker (Roofe, Defoe, and Itten are all predominantly right-footed). Plus, the fact that he still has his best years ahead of him means that Fountas ticks the box as a good long-term investment for the Gers.
Read more
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Verdict
Rangers need not pursue an interest in Taxiarchis Fountas if they manage to keep hold of Morelos this summer but making a move for the Greek international would make complete sense if the Colombian ends up departing Ibrox.
The 25-year-old has proven his worth in the Austrian top-flight and Gerrard could have an absolute gem on his hands if he manages to make the step up to Scottish football.
