Former Rangers kid Dire Mebude has signed his first professional contract with English Premier League Man City as the Gers lose yet another talent to the riches of the English top flight.
Mebude, 17, is the younger brother of Dapo – who left Ibrox this summer – and joins the Citizens after eight years coming through the Rangers Academy.
Owen James Brown, who tweeted about the youngster’s deal, praised Dire for his attitude and application as he signs for the Premier League Champions.
The journalist talked up Dire’s dribbling ability, explained that the player is a right-footed left-winger who can play across the forward line, and talked up his chances with the Scotland U19s.
“(Dire) Has quite an unpredictable dribbling style – very rapid movement from a standing start – and in contrast quite a clean, drilled finishing technique,” said Brown.
“Is keen to work on his weaker foot and his heading. Smart, grounded kid with a real desire to develop. One to watch closely.”
Dire’s move to Man City isn’t news to Rangers or many Rangers fans after the story broke regarding the Premier League club’s interest in September 2020.
Rangers struck a deal with the Etihad club over Mebude – although it is not clear how much for – with a number of clauses inserted into the move.
“We wish Dire well at Manchester City,” said Mullholland [Glasgow Times].
“Ross and I will take the decision to trade players out when we believe a deal represents value for Rangers and fits in with the overall planning that we have in mind for our squads.
“That is the case with Dire and he leaves with our best wishes.”
Despite this, you can’t help but feel there are shades of Billy Gilmour’s transfer to Chelsea in 2017 with the Scotland international midfielder once a top Rangers Academy talent.
The club failed to convince Billy to stay in Glasgow and the rest is history as he breaks through into the Chelsea team and kicks off a career with much promise.
Rangers were even reportedly interested in bringing Gilmour back to Glasgow before the midfielder moved on loan to Norwich City this summer.
It’s not just Mebude and Gilmour who’ve been poached by English Premier League clubs either – a young English striker has moved to a London club after an impressive spell in Glasgow.