What Michy Batshuayi would cost Rangers in wages revealed

Michy Batshuayi would have to make a monster pay cut to join Rangers after the Belgian hitman’s wages were revealed.

Reports claim that the Light Blues are leading the race to sign the Fenerbahce striker on a short-term deal, with Philippe Clement keen to get his compatriot in the door ahead of the Gers jetting out to La Manga for a warm weather training camp on Wednesday morning. But it may not be that straightforward, with other clubs circling and Batshuayi’s massive pay packet an obstacle to overcome.

The former Chelsea man earns €3.5million per year in Turkey, according to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri. That equates to nearly £58,000 per week and is significantly more than the Ibrox outfit could hope to pay. However, that doesn’t necessarily rule out a move and there are negotiations to be had. But it would require the player taking a hit in the pocket and Tavolieri claims there is no “concrete intentional to proceed” on Rangers’ part if his salary expectations remain at their current level.

He said: “Lot of interest regarding Michy Batshuayi this summer… Player has been proposed to angers who put the player on a list but there’s yet no concrete intention to proceed as his wages are very high for a Scottish club. The Belgian striker earns 3,5M€ per year at Fenerbahce so…wait and see…”

Batshuayi, 30, has netted eight times in 21 games for the Istanbul giants in 21 appearances this season, with three assists. However, he appears to be on his way out after failing to agree a new deal with the club.

His current contract runs out in the summer, so one possibility for Rangers could be to agree a short-term switch until the end of the season on a lower wage, before sitting down again at the end of the campaign. That comes with the risk of losing him for nothing to another club with deeper pockets, especially if he hits the ground running in the Premiership and helps fire Gers to the title.