Rangers have recently reinforced their attacking options by signing Lawrence Shankland, but the Scottish Premiership club may not be concluding their efforts to improve the striker position. The Ibrox side has demonstrated a clear intent to bolster its forward line, and the acquisition of Shankland was a significant step in that direction. However, the club's ambition appears to extend further, with reports suggesting they are actively exploring additional attacking talent. Stockport County forward Adama Sidibeh is reportedly now a target for Rangers, indicating a continued pursuit of strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming season.
The interest in the Gambian international is not exclusive to the Ibrox side, noting the widespread recognition of his burgeoning talent. Several English Championship clubs are also actively pursuing him, setting the stage for a competitive transfer battle. Among those understood to be vying for Sidibeh's signature are Blackburn Rovers, Middlesbrough, and Bristol City, all prominent teams in England's second tier. This multi-club interest shows the perceived value and potential of the 28-year-old striker in the current transfer market.
Adama Sidibeh: A Striker's Journey
Adama Sidibeh, a 28-year-old Gambian international, has accumulated nine caps for his national team, The Gambia. Born in The Gambia in June 1998, Sidibeh began his football career playing for local teams in his homeland, laying the foundation for his professional journey. His early club experiences included stints with Marimoo and Gambia Ports Authority, where he honed his skills before seeking opportunities abroad.
He subsequently moved to England in 2022, marking a significant step in his career progression. Upon arriving in England, Sidibeh joined North West Counties League Division One North side AFC Blackpool, where he began to adapt to the English football landscape. His performances at this level quickly caught the eye, leading to further advancements.
In December 2022, Sidibeh joined Cheadle Heath Nomads, continuing his ascent through the non-league pyramid. His progression continued swiftly in Summer 2023 when he signed for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Warrington Rylands 1906. During his tenure with Warrington Rylands 1906, Sidibeh showcased his goal-scoring prowess, netting an impressive 16 goals in just 30 appearances. This prolific output demonstrated his capability to find the back of the net consistently and attracted attention from higher-tier clubs.
His impressive form in non-league football earned him a move to Scottish football. Sidibeh then signed for St Johnstone in February 2024, marking his entry into professional league football. He quickly made an impact, scoring five goals in 15 Scottish Premiership games during the remainder of the 2023-24 season. The following term, 2024-25, he netted three goals in 31 games, continuing to contribute to his team's efforts. In the first half of the 2025-26 season, he further enhanced his reputation, contributing six goals and four assists in 19 Scottish Championship outings. These consistent performances in Scotland proved his adaptability and effectiveness at a higher level, making him a player of interest for clubs across the UK.
Scottish Stints and Stockport Success
Rangers previously monitored Adama Sidibeh during his tenure in Scottish football with St Johnstone, indicating a long-standing interest in the player. The Gambian international played for St Johnstone between 2024 and 2026, where he recorded a total of 18 goals across 80 competitive appearances. This period was key for his development, allowing him to gain valuable experience in both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Championship.
His contributions to the Scottish club included five goals in 15 Scottish Premiership games during the 2023-24 season, a strong start to his top-flight career in Scotland. For the subsequent 2024-25 term, he netted three goals in 31 appearances, demonstrating his consistency even in a more demanding schedule. In the first half of the 2025-26 season, Sidibeh registered six goals and four assists over 19 Scottish Championship outings, showcasing his ability not only to score but also to create opportunities for his teammates. These statistics paint a picture of a well-rounded forward capable of impacting games in multiple ways.
Following his productive time in Scotland, Sidibeh joined Stockport County, making another significant move in his career. During the second half of the 2025-26 season, he made 25 total appearances for the club, scoring 10 goals. This immediate impact in English football's League Two further solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective striker. His move from Scottish football to Stockport County marked a new phase in his career, providing him with a platform to continue his goal-scoring form and attract the attention of even larger clubs, preceding the current interest from Rangers and several English Championship clubs.
Transfer Landscape and Competition
Adama Sidibeh has also represented his national team, The Gambia, on multiple occasions, demonstrating his commitment and skill on the international stage. He has been a valuable asset for his country, netting five times for The Gambia during his nine caps. These international appearances further highlight his experience and ability to perform under pressure. His impressive club performances, coupled with his international contributions, have naturally attracted significant interest from several English Championship clubs as well as Rangers.
Blackburn Rovers is reportedly among the clubs pursuing Sidibeh, with intentions to secure a deal valued at approximately £1.5 million. This valuation reflects the growing demand for the striker and the competitive nature of the transfer market for proven goal-scorers. The interest from Blackburn Rovers, along with Middlesbrough and Bristol City, indicates a strong belief in Sidibeh's potential to succeed at a higher level in English football. The competition for the striker's signature shows the perceived value of his recent contributions at Stockport County, where he quickly became a key player.
In a related development regarding Championship transfer activities, Bristol City has reportedly seen a bid for Leyton Orient forward Dominic Ballard rejected. This indicates Bristol City's active presence in the transfer market and their determined efforts to strengthen their attacking options. Their pursuit of Ballard, despite its reported rejection, signals their intent to invest in their front line, potentially placing them in direct competition with other clubs for similar profiles such as Sidibeh. The broader transfer landscape suggests a highly competitive market for promising forwards among Championship teams, with clubs eager to secure talent that can make an immediate impact and contribute to their promotion aspirations. The potential battle for Sidibeh's signature is therefore a microcosm of a larger trend in the current transfer window, where clubs are prepared to invest significantly in proven goal-scorers.
