Rangers form has been on the up in recent weeks, against Motherwell things looked sharper for an hour, against Dynamo Kyiv the game was in control until Jefte saw red and St Johnstone had their keeper to thank for the scoreline not being more emphatic.
Philippe Clement will still want to bring reinforcements into his squad, with the forward line still not firing on all cylinders.
Todd Cantwell and Ianis Hagi are two players who could make a difference, and it looked like the Romanian international was set for a recall until the team news was revealed for the league cup clash.
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Rangers could leave it late for Abdallah Sima bid
Instead of being useful on the pitch, if Hagi departs, he might help to fund a move for a player the manager really does want in Abdallah Sima.
After being a bit part player for Brighton in pre-season and his side signing new wingers, the 22-year old’s future looks bleak on the south coast.
There are no reports of any other teams being interested and he has just a year left on his contract with the Seagulls.
A questionable injury history in recent seasons aside, Sima would be an immediate upgrade and improve the clinical nature of the attack.
With a goal every two games last season, Sima’s ability can’t be questioned.
There is less than two weeks to go until the August the 30th deadline but as time ticks by, so do Rangers chances of signing the Senegal international increase.
It’s all about the money as Clement waits for Sima
Sima wants to return to Ibrox and it is clear that Clement feels the same way:
“I’ve been in touch with him, of course.
“He’s like one of my sons. Abda loves the club. Abda loves the way of playing we had last season and his role in that. He loved his teammates and the staff.
“But at the end of the day, Brighton is the owner so it’s all about the money then. At the moment it’s not possible. But we will see along the way if there comes a possibility because we would love to get him back. We will see if it is possible.”
Also, as deadline day gets closer, Brighton should be easier to deal with in terms of their financial demands for Sima.
Something is better than nothing and all that.
Rangers fans need a signing like Abdallah Sima, someone to excite them and bring a real feeling of belief that the season isn’t already a write off and that the board are willing to back Philippe Clement.
The situation remains though, that players like Hagi need to leave first.
