Philippe Clement’s latest transfer comments have certainly got Rangers fans talking.
The Belgian manager hasn’t minced his words when it comes Rangers’ stuttering window to date as the nerves rise over a seriously undercooked squad.
The Gers support can almost see what’s about to happen.
Clement has claimed that Rangers will not be able to fund any incoming transfer deals until the deadwood has been shifted out the door.
The Ibrox boss is not happy about it either; Clement claims he had ‘other expectations’ when he took the Rangers job in October.
In the aftermath, the conversation has been focused on the mismanagement of Rangers’ finances and of the club’s squad.
But as the dust settles Rangers fans will realise that the claims send an ominous transfer message about one of this summer’s main attacking targets.
Sima wants Rangers return
In a Rangers squad lacking any attacking ruthlessness last season, how the club missed the influence of Abdallah Sima.
The Senegalese forward, 23, was signed on a season-long loan from Brighton under Michael Beale and kept Rangers heads above water heading into the mid-way point of the season.
Netting 15 goals by the winter break, a long-term injury sustained in training at AFCON with Senegal rocked Rangers’ season.
This summer, Rangers have made no bones about wanting Abdallah Sima to return to the club.
Sima himself hasn’t exactly been shy in talking up a return and recently dropped a hint over a switch on Instagram.
But with Brighton’s new manager Fabian Hurzeler set to run the rule over his squad before making any decisions, Rangers face a waiting game.
Not that it matters.
In the light of Clement’s latest comments, the club cannot currently afford the types of fees it would take to sign Abdallah Sima permanently.
Rangers short of Brighton demands
Abdallah Sima is officially contracted to Brighton until 2025 but has an extra year’s option in the contract.
That essentially means the Premier League overachievers – who aren’t exactly known for letting players go on the cheap – hold all the aces.
The Athletic claimed in 2021 that Abdallah Sima joined Brighton from Slavia Prague in a deal worth somewhere close to £6m that summer.
Despite this, Sima is yet to kick a ball for the Seagulls.
Having spent loan spells out of the club with Stoke City, Angers and now Rangers, the sounds around the forward are that Brighton are willing to let Sima leave this summer if the price is right.
Rangers are however in no place to negotiate.
Out of cash with plenty of rebuilding to be conducted in other areas of the squad, there is a real feeling of bleakness over Ibrox at the present moment.
Throw in the suggestion that Abdallah Sima won’t be returning to the club as things stand and the clouds don’t look like they’re set to clear any time soon.
