Rangers are currently preparing to sign Hearts striker Claudio Braga, with Derek McInnes looking to reunite.
Bulaga was awarded the Scottish Premiership Player of the Season award for his performances in a Hearts team that narrowly missed out on the title last season, and manager McInnes singled him out with very high praise at the end of February.
The former Hearts boss said: “His results are unbelievable. It’s always been that way. His fitness, he’s completely dedicated to his craft. He’s making sacrifices. He’s all about his fitness and his level of performance.”
The centre-forward played in 33 league games, provided five assists and found the back of the net 14 times, finishing the season tied for fifth in the league.
Ranking | Scottish Premiership top scorer | club | the goal |
1. | thank you very much. | motherwell | 17 |
2. | Benjamin Nygren | celtic | 16 |
2. | Yusef Chelmiti | rangers | 16 |
4. | Lawrence Shankland | rangers | 15 |
5. | claudio braga | heart | 14 |
5. | Daizen Maeda | celtic | 14 |
Additionally, the Portuguese forward has averaged 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 in the Scottish Premiership, the second highest of any Hearts player, underscoring his ability to attack opposition defences.
The Gers have already created a buzz in the transfer market by signing Shankland from Hearts and could be set to attack their Scottish Premiership rivals again.
Rangers preparing to move Claudio Braga
According to a report from Football Insider, Rangers are currently preparing a move to Braga and McInnes is keen to attack his old club again.
The former Moss free-kick is expected to leave Jam Tarts, who are suffering a mass exodus after falling just short in the title race, as he is “high on the recruitment team’s shortlist”.
However, Hearts were unwilling to let their star player go so easily and set the asking price at £9 million.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke added: “Bulaga was probably Hearts’ best player last year and was Scottish Premiership Player of the Year.
“This is the price of success and Hearts are learning that, so they know there will be offers for the Portuguese winger this year. As you said, Rangers are chasing them with obvious links to Derek McInnes and they have already brought in some old Hearts players.”
“They made a huge profit by signing him last summer for a very small fee, so they will have to reluctantly agree.”
Rangers also keen to sign Steffy Mavididi
Despite signing Shankland, Rangers remain keen to strengthen their frontline this summer, with Leicester City’s Steffy Mavididi emerging as a target.
Approaches have already been made to the Foxes and the 28-year-old could be a versatile option for McInnes, given his ability to play on both wings and at centre-forward.
However, his three goals and two assists in 42 games in the Championship last season were not all that impressive, so Bulaga should probably be Gers’ top target.
