Rangers Eye Lechia Gdansk’s Camilo Mena Amid Financial Crisis
Rangers are preparing to re-open negotiations for Colombian winger Camilo Mena, with Ibrox decision-makers aiming to capitalize on Lechia Gdansk’s severe financial plight to secure a £3 million deal. According to a report from Polish outlet Kanal Sportowy, discussions that began in July are set to resume despite hope at Lechia that Mena might end up staying.
Despite wearing the captain’s armband for Lechia this season, the 23-year-old remains an attacking target for Derek McInnes as Rangers seek fresh width before the transfer window closes. Crucially, Rangers hold distinct leverage at the negotiating table due to an escalating crisis unfolding inside the Polish side.
At what price would you be okay to sell Tuur Rommens this summer?
Lechia Gdansk’s Financial Struggles and Mena’s Potential Sale
Lechia Gdansk, who suffered relegation from the Ekstraklasa last term, find themselves in a precarious state following administrative turmoil and a rejected Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) appeal regarding a points deduction. Reports in Poland reveal that some club staff members have not received wages since May. More urgently, the Polish FA require Lechia to demonstrate that all outstanding payment debts are completely cleared by 31 August to maintain their professional license.
Club president Paolo Urfer recently made a public declaration admitting that Lechia have no choice but to sell their prized assets, including Mena, to fund daily operations and secure the club’s financial survival. With the European transfer window entering its final fortnight, Lechia’s desperation to generate immediate liquid cash leaves them with little room to manoeuvre or stall for higher offers.
Ibrox decision-makers may have been intentionally prolonging negotiations over recent weeks to test Lechia’s patience and see just how low the cash-strapped Polish outfit are willing to drop their asking price. Knowing that the Polish side face an absolute deadline before the month closes, Rangers are well-positioned to strike a favourable £3m deal to further bolster McInnes’ frontline. However, it remains to be seen if Mena is McInnes’ preferred target, as the Ibrox outfit have also made a £7m offer for Brighton’s Amario Cozier-Duberry. Although the bid has been rejected, it appears the Gers are favouring a move for the former Arsenal youth star.
