Rangers fans are delighted after the worst kept secret in Scottish football was made official and the Gers announced the pre-contract signing of KV Oostende striker Fashion Sakala.
Rangers have been extensively linked to Sakala ever since the turn of the year and the club have reportedly beaten off the likes of Ligue 1 leaders Lille to secure the deal [MSN].
🆕 Welcome Sakala 🆕
📝 #RangersFC are today delighted to announce that a pre-contract has been agreed with Fashion Sakala, and he will join from Belgian side KV Oostende in the summer-subject to international clearance and a work permit being received.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) May 4, 2021
The Gers have announced a four-year deal for the 24-year-old who will join up with the club in pre-season after the players return from the summer break.
A powerful and pacey option, Sakala is delighted to join Rangers whom he describes as “one of the greatest clubs in the world”.
“I am very much excited to start this exciting journey with Rangers,” said Fashion [Rangers].
“It has been one of my dreams, and I feel like this is a dream come true to join Rangers – one of the greatest clubs in the world
“They have a great fanbase and a great history, and I believe we will share great memories together.
Rangers have been extensively linked to Fashion Sakala for months with the striker netting 13 goals in Belgium this season. The Zambian striker has also had spells at Spartak Moscow, Zanaco and Nchanga Rangers in the player’s homeland. (Photo by KURT DESPLENTER/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
“As a player you always strive to play for others – that is the most important strength which keeps me going. I know that Rangers have great players and I am looking forward to learning from them and deliver.
“In my role as a striker, I know what the club needs from me and what the fans expect. The club has great players and I just want to learn from them and try to bring something that helps the team get the results.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has backed Sakala to “thrive” on both the Scottish and European stages whilst Ross Wilson talked up the player’s “commitment” to joining Rangers amid interest from other clubs.
Rangers fans are naturally delighted that club has secured the pre-contract bargain signing and have already adopted David Bowie’s classic song Fashion for the striker as they welcome him to Ibrox:
🎶🎶Fashion! He turns to the left
Fashion! He turns to the right
Ooh, fashion!
We are the bears and we're coming to town
Beep-beep
Beep-beep🎶🎶— BillyK (@BillyKsOpinion) May 4, 2021
— Isaac Newell. A Statue In Kent (@IsaacStatue) May 4, 2021
https://t.co/hHmwkvFws5 pic.twitter.com/rQqtOH79ts
— Craig Charnley (@dundeeweegie) May 4, 2021
Welcome Fashion. https://t.co/ypxeooDD3f
— Joe 'wotta' Anderson 🏴⚽️🎮 (@_wotta) May 4, 2021
Got the goal celebration music sorted pic.twitter.com/nimpTtA8ew
— A.Monolith (@alanmonolith) May 4, 2021
Fashion, turn to the left
Fashion, turn to the right
Ooh Fashion!— Fraser Campbell (@FraserC69) May 4, 2021
Fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-fa-Fashion pic.twitter.com/pLnr5qt4YP
— murray odonnell (@murrayodonnell) May 4, 2021
https://twitter.com/Sneddon0472/status/1389573550839828480
https://twitter.com/Pena_Cartel/status/1389573516756914177
Welcome to the famous 🔴⚪️🔵
— •Daz🇬🇧🏴• (@AyeReady87) May 4, 2021
Rangers dain aw sorts o hings
— TAVALDO ©️ (@a22an) May 4, 2021
— Harvey Wilson (@Harvey1638) May 4, 2021
Rangers have been linked with a number of players heading into the new campaign and fans will be hoping Sakala represents one of a number of promising signings.
The Gers were once again mentioned alongside a top Euro talent as the club reportedly face off against Champions League regulars and Premier League sides for the player’s signature.