In the summer of 2023, Michael Beale was given more money to spend in one summer since the days of Dick Advocaat’s tenure in charge of Rangers.
The former manager had the chance to revamp a squad in need of pace, dynamism and energy, and yet, this is not what was paraded at Ibrox.
Beale spoke about signing a different type of striker, but over £13m was spent on Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers and Danilo, with only the latter looking like he could be relied upon by Rangers fans – if he stays fit.
Benie Traore form proving to be latest Rangers transfer mistake
The profile that Beale mentioned seemed to fit then 20-year old Benie Traore, a player who scored 25 goals in 58 appearances for Swedish side Hacken, as well as nine assists.
Reports suggested that Beale was “keen” on Traore and even went as far as to make a £2.8m bid.
Given the money spent on strikers that summer, the £4m fee that Sheffield United paid wasn’t the problem.
Traore never really settled at relegation strugglers Sheffield United, who never seemed like a good fit, however, the 3-times capped flyer is in his best form again after a £3.8m move to Basel in the summer.
Rangers again missed out on a talented youngster who fits the player trading model perfectly.
With five goals and five assists in 13 games, Traore is thriving in the Swiss Super League, a league comparable with the SPFL.
Clement’s comments make Traore snub a strange decision
Traore was already on Rangers’ radar, which made it a surprise to see a lack of speculation with Sheffield United looking to cash in.
When you consider Clement’s comments via Rangers official website on signing younger players, it makes even less sense:
“We wanted young players to step in who have value for the future like Diomande, Cortes and Barron,” said the Rangers manager on the summer plans.
“We wanted to give academy players a chance also.
“The more money that comes in then the more you can spend, but we knew it would take time and it wouldn’t be possible to do it in one window.
“Young players? I don’t need young players to be excited. I like working with young players, but you need to look at the market.
“It is risky with young talents and how they react to the next step; you can’t predict that.
“If you see the levels Connor Barron and Jefte are showing, it is higher than a lot of people expected.
“They are making good steps, but we want to make things better and better.”
Again, it looks like the wrong decision, rather than not having the money, has cost Rangers more than a few goals.
