The German front man sealed a late Deadline Day move to Ibrox but fans of his former club have been left seething
(Image: Kirk O’Rourke/Rangers FC/Shutterstock)
Hansa Rostock chiefs have scrambled to defend the sale of Ryan Naderi to Rangers after the switch sparked fan backlash.
Rangers saw two bids booted out, before a fee was agreed that make the 22-year-old’s switch to the Scottish Premiership the most expensive German third tier transfer ever. A fee of just over £4.3million convinced Rostock to sell – that could rise to £5.2million.
The deal also includes a 20 per cent sell on fee. But that hasn’t been enough to quell fans after sporting director Amir Shapourzadeh ditched his stance that the player was not for sale just 24 hours after his emphatic statement after defeat to Ingolstadt.
But Shapourzadeh has insisted the offer was too good to knock back for the third-tier side, telling Nord Kurier: “When I took office, I said that our clear goal is for Hansa Rostock to once again become an attractive destination for highly talented players. The record transfer of Ryan Naderi is proof that we are on the right track.
“We would have liked to keep Ryan Naderi. At the same time, as a club, we are obligated to consider economic aspects as well.
“Even without him, we have a strong squad. We will therefore not lose sight of our sporting goals.”
Ryan Naderi celebrates for Hansa Rostock(Image: Getty Images)
And Rostock CEO Ronny Maul would also point the finger of blame at Naderi for forcing the move: “The offer from Rangers Football Club has reached a level that a third-division club simply cannot refuse.
“Despite the financial significance, the player has always been our primary focus. Ryan Naderi wants to seize the opportunity to play internationally and prove himself on the big stage.
“We couldn’t and didn’t want to deny him this dream. We are aware of his talent and qualities, but we have complete confidence in our squad.”
Supervisory board chairman Sebastian Egger added: “This decision wasn’t taken lightly. Ryan wasn’t simply let go for the first offer that came along. [It was] An offer Hansa couldn’t refuse.”
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