Replacing Abdallah Sima was always going to be hard but it looks as though Rangers have got it sussed with Fabio Silva.
Gers boss Philippe Clement looked to have solved the problem when he signed Oscar Cortes only to see the Colombian see his season virtually ended through injury.
After another goal for Rangers, Fabio Silva is showing that, through adversity, Clement has found a potentially long, and short-term solution.
Rangers need to pick up the phone on Fabio Silva deal
Rangers will need to replace Kemar Roofe in the summer, Sima will also return to Brighton.
A club record deal has been mooted but the smart money is on Sima going for the sort of money that we can’t afford.
So, we need a centre-forward and a wide attacker.
Why not kill two birds with one stone?
In Fabio Silva, Rangers could.
Speaking a month ago, Silva’s dad explained that a return to Ibrox might be on the cards next season:
“We have a long contract with Wolves but Fabio has to settle down somewhere. Is there a possibility of Fabio staying at Rangers next season if he does well, even on loan? I think so, yes. Listen, in four months many things can happen.
“But I hope Rangers can be champions this season which would be amazing for the club and also for Fabio.
“To play in the Champions League, that’s something Fabio has desired so much. He needs continuity in his career now. If Rangers are happy with him – and obviously the last word will be with Wolves – why not?”
When he was signed, Clement was quick to explain why a permanent deal wasn’t possible when asked if he was interested in extending the 21-year old’s time in Glasgow:
“We will see what the situation is. I would prefer to buy Fabio but he was too expensive for the club so that’s why it’s a loan.”
Fabio Silva seems to be loving life at Rangers.
He’s settled into the squad immediately and seems to thrive on the pressure of playing for the club.
Against Benfica he was outstanding.
At times, playing through the middle, he can be guilty of trying too hard and getting crowded out, however, playing off the left, he gets more space and more opportunity to get isolated 1v1.
All of his best attributes come to the fore when he isn’t being marked by two centre-halves.
Rangers might not be able to afford Fabio Silva on a permanent deal, but with his own dad suggesting that another loan deal is a serious option and the player clearly happy where he is, we could do a lot worse than picking the phone up to Wolves and asking the question.
