It’s been a busy transfer window for Rangers in terms of deals being rubbished and trying to get others over the line with Philippe Clement probably not getting much sleep this week.
The Gers boss has done well in bringing Fabio Silva and Mohamed Diomande to the club, both bringing fresh legs and a youthful exuberance to the squad – and they might not be the last new faces seen at Ibrox.
Left-back Jefte and winger Oscar Cortes are said to be close to joining Rangers but Philippe Clement is also having to decide who he wants to keep with reports of possible exits.
Rangers regular can be key under Philippe Clement
News of Jack Butland being the subject of a bid from Nottingham Forest was quickly dismissed, with the club going as far as to say – via club media – that negotiations won’t even be entertained.
Then, another report emerged, this time for a player who, because of recent events, is as important now as he has ever been.
Abdallah Sima’s long-term adductor injury that required surgery will see him join Danilo missing until the latter stages of the season.
What this means is that Rabbi Matondo could have a vital role to play for Rangers and Philippe Clement in the second half of the campaign.
The Wales international played his best football for Cercle Brugge playing off the left-hand side of their attack.
Other than Butland, £2m signing Matondo was the only bright spot earlier in the season when it looked like he was finally showing the sort of form that saw us sign him in the first place.
With two assists in his last three games, the 23-year old has been contributing but he needs to find the sort of consistency in front of goal that Sima was demonstrating before his untimely injury.
A goal contribution every 90 minutes in the league suggests fitness, not quality, is the main problem.
He has the pace and skillset to make a difference and, with Chris Jack reporting that Matondo isn’t going anywhere, despite links to the Bundesliga, it looks like he is going to get the chance to.
