Former Ibrox captain Barry Ferguson admits he ‘likes the sound’ of Rangers’ transfer plans with Chelsea’s Dujon Sterling and MLS star Jose Cifuentes potentially on their way to Glasgow.
If Saturday’s 3-0 Old Firm thrashing of an admittedly experimental Celtic side suggested that the gap between the two rivals can in fact be bridged, then this summer will take on even more importance for a Rangers side currently ten points behind Ange Postecoglou’s team in the Premiership table.
And reports suggesting that Beale could bring in Sterling, Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland and co, have the makings of a big step in the right direction. Sensible, yet stimulating.
Dowell and Butland, presumably replacing Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor respectively, will add quality on depth on free transfers. Sterling, meanwhile, gives Rangers a different dimension at the back; a versatile, more defensively-secure alternative to the attack-minded James Tavernier.
As for Cifuentes, well the Ecuador international has been described as an ‘incredibly complete’ central midfield player for a reason. A creator, a goalscorer, a ball-winner and a runner all rolled into one; Cifuentes is, at times, likened to both Paul Pogba and Moises Caicedo.
A testament to his highly flexible skillset.
Rangers could sign both Dujon Sterling and Jose Cifuentes
“I like the sound of some of the names mentioned as possible new signings,” Ferguson tells the Daily Record.
“Jose Cifuentes seems like a real athlete. He’ll add real legs and bite to the midfield. Dujan Sterling at Chelsea looks like a very decent prospect. It’s interesting he can operate in central defence and at right-back.
“That will give Tavernier and (Conor) Goldson something to think about, even though they look like surviving the cull.”
Beale, after taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in late-2022, has already made a bright start to what he describes as Rangers’ ‘biggest rebuild in years’.
January signings Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin – snapped up for around £3 million combined – were outstanding against Celtic, the former opening the scoring with his second exquisite volley in two Premiership games.
“When you see the impact made by the two players he signed in January – Todd Cantwell and Nicolas Raskin – it’s no wonder fans are looking forward to what’s coming next,” Ferguson adds.
Sterling, the Daily Record say, has already visited Rangers’ training ground.
