Former Rangers midfielder Lassana Coulibaly could be about to make an unexpected move up the footballing ladder with Lazio said to be chasing his signature.
The 27-year old Mali international has enjoyed a successful career after failing to make his loan move permanent at the Light Blues in 2018/19.
After impressing in Serie A for Salernitana, one time Rangers loanee Lassana Coulibaly is now being eyed by Scudetto winners Lazio in a stunning transformation, according to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio.
When Rangers signed Lassana Coulibaly, he made an immediate impact.
The perfect box-to-box midfielder.
Strong out of possession and defensively, he was also a useful player for defending set pieces.
But it was when he had the ball that stood out.
At his best, Rangers had a Lassana Coulibaly that would drive forward with the ball and could beat players with his sheer athleticism.
Rangers move wasn’t the end for Lassana Coulibaly
However, failing to make the grade at Ibrox is a common occurrence, the pressure of having to win every game can be too much for some.
Personal problems and an injury caused by the usual Scottish Premiership physicality allowed by officials saw Coulibaly’s form nose dive and he was rarely seen again, even when the team’s form also dipped.
Now though, after spells back in France, Belgium and now Serie A, he is being linked with one of the best sides in Europe and with the chance to support the likes of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
A far cry from Daniel Candeias and Kyle Lafferty.
What this shows, above all else, is that Rangers isn’t an easy place for players who might be as obviously talented as Lassana Coulibaly.
Sometimes, mental strength and self-confidence is more important than technical ability.
As with another flop from that season – Umar Sadiq – it is another example of how the scouting and recruitment can identify good players but there are no guarantees that they will settle or be a success.
Hopefully, Michael Beale has more luck this time around.
