Mateusz Zukowski leaves Rangers with view to permanent Lech Poznan move

Rangers right-back Mateusz Zukowski has agreed a loan move to Lech Poznan with a view to making a permanent return to Poland.

The defender has made the move ahead of next week’s transfer deadline, with Lech Poznan announcing that they have a “guaranteed option” to buy the player.

The 20-year-old moved to Ibrox in January, replacing Nathan Patterson as the understudy to James Tavernier at right-back.

However, despite Rangers having a busy schedule domestically and in Europe in the second half of last season, Zukowski’s only first team appearance came against Annan Athletic in the Scottish Cup.

“I hope to show you what I learned in Rangers over the past few months,” Zukowski told Lech Poznan’s website. “I am coming back to Poland as a better footballer and man.”

Lech Poznan has said that they are delighted to be signing a versatile player, who can play anywhere on the right-hand side.

Zukowski added that, during his time at Rangers, the club had looked on him as a defensive player, and that he had limited opportunity to show what he could do.

“I feel good in both positions (on the wing or right-back),” he said. “It’s the coach’s decision where I will play.

“At Rangers, I was placed on the right back. Maybe not in matches, because there weren’t many of those, but I was honed as a side defender and worked hard on defence. Although, of course, I also feel good on the wing.”