Up next for Rangers is Fenerbahce, a team with considerably more fire power than Queen’s Park, Kilmarnock and Motherwell, a worry for those of a Light Blue persuasion.
The Special One will make just his second visit to Ibrox, Jose Mourinho having managed Chelsea in a pre-season friendly nearly 20 years ago.
Lining up for the Turkish giants could be Bright Osayi-Samuel, a player who Rangers tried to sign in 2021 and who Nils Koppen could do with entertaining over the next couplei of weeks.
Bright Osayi-Samuel could face Rangers after transfer links
The Nigeria international has been converted from being a right-winger in his time at QPR to a right back in the Super Lig to good effect and his contract situation shows just how highly he is rated.
Despite being out of contract in the summer and looking to leave Turkey, Osayi-Samuel, who was linked at recently as a year ago, has kept his place in Fenerbahce’s foreign player quota with others, like Alain Saint Maximin missing out.
The former Newcastle United winger is available to face Rangers though, which won’t help James Tavernier sleep at night given his previous with speedy wingers.
Rangers have struggled to provide consistent cover for Tavernier as he approaches his 34th birthday.
A long-term replacement is needed and Osayi-Samuel’s attacking ability makes him an affordable option on a Bosman deal.
What the 27-year old would also do, is provide cover on the wing with the last few managers having to cope with a lack of depth, particularly on the right.
Signing young players to develop and sell is all fair and well, but Patrick Stewart also spoke about making sure that the Rangers squad is balanced.
Senior, experienced players like Osayi-Samuel don’t grow on trees, especially without the need for a transfer fee.
With pace to burn, athleticisim and a powerful physique, Osayi-Samuel has all the physical attributes to go with his ability on the ball.
Adapting to the Scottish game wouldn’t be an issue given his experience in England’s Championship.
Rangers technical director might well have Osayi-Samuel’s name on a list of potential targets and he could be about to see first-hand, just what the club missed out on when he moved to Fenerbahce, and how good a player they could sign in the summer.
