Philippe Clement cut a frustrated figure when the transfer window closed, knowing that he was still short of a body or two for Rangers.
The manager accepted that midfield in particular was still light and even went as far as to consider signing an experienced No.6 in the free agent market.
Rangers were linked to plenty of names, but three South Americans were an indication of Nils Koppen’s willingness to shop outside the usual markets to supplement the squad.
- READ MORE: ‘Least composed striker in history’…’Best striker we’ve ever had’…Rangers fans jump on UEFA post
Rangers-linked midfielders struggle at Hull City
All three ended up, somewhat bizarrely, at Hull City where they are now embroiled in a relegation battle and with Tim Walter under pressure in the hot seat after replacing the popular Liam Rosenior in the summer.
Oscar Zambrano was the first name linked as early as January, however, the young Ecuadorian is awaiting the verdict on a failed drugs test with a lengthy suspension considered to be the most likely outcome.
Gustavo Puerta seemed like an outside bet to come to Rangers given he had just played a part in Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible Bundesliga campaign.
That the 21-year old moved to Hull, raised more than a few eyebrows. With only six appearances and 350 minutes to his name, it’s not a transfer that has gone according to plan.
His compatriot, Steven Alzate, has long been linked with Rangers, with the deep-lying playmaker available on a free transfer after being released by Brighton.
Alzate, with only 35 minutes under his belt, has played even less.
Hull in trouble despite midfield trio transfers
Three hugely talented midfielders who could easily form a Premier League midfield, and yet Hull sit 19th, five points off bottom spot.
With results as bad as they are, it would be easy to assume that Walter is going to change things, apparently not:
“We are not happy with the result but the improvement in the performance was obvious. That’s what keeps me strong and keeps me happy,” Walter told BBC Radio Humberside.
“If you have a negative run, like we are having, all you can do is fight against it and stick together.
“We need big character and that’s what we showed. I know the results will come. We need a bit more luck.”
The Scottish Premiership and Europa League probably doesn’t look as bad now as the midfield trio sit in the stand and on the bench watching the team they signed for struggle.
