Football agent Raymond Sparkes has spoken to the Daily Record about a developing trend in the transfer market.
It’s suggested that with transfer valuations sky-rocketing elsewhere, big clubs are turning their attention to Scotland in the search for quality, affordable young talent.
He uses the cases of two young ex-Rangers players to back up his point. Billy Gilmour, who left Rangers as a 15-year-old to join Chelsea in 2017, and David Bates, who signed for Hamburg last summer aged just 21.
Sparkes also points to recently reported interest from AS Roma in Kai Kennedy [Daily Record], with the Italian giants previously said to have been keen on Josh McPake, too [Daily Record].
Rangers should be on high alert
“There is a market now in Scotland with players between 16 and 20 being attractive propositions to European clubs as well top English Premier League clubs,” the agent told the Daily Record.
“Clubs should get ready for some seriously big-hitters targeting their kids in the 16 to 20-year-old bracket and the excellent youngsters Scottish teams have bubbling under the surface.
“Watching clubs know they can get better bang for their buck if they can sign Scottish teenagers. Scotland is seen as a fruitful and viable market for young players now.”
While Sparkes is referring to a Scotland-wide phenomenon, it seems particularly relevant to Rangers.
With the Academy going from strength to strength, the club currently has stand out individuals on the books at all levels.
Having secured the Alkass Cup, Scottish Youth Cup and the SPFL Reserve League title last season, the club’s youngster’s have had sufficient exposure to make them visible to big European clubs.
The odd departure is inevitable, but in order to create a genuine pathway to the first team, it’s crucial the Gers hold onto their best talents.
Through getting the likes of McPake and Mebude signed up to new deals, they’ve done a good job of it in recent times, but it’s clear that taking their foot off the gas at any stage, could result in multiple departures.
