Rangers have a few issues to solve throughout the team but one area where Philippe Clement could make an easy signing is in midfield.
The manager knows that he is working on a budget, however, that doesn’t mean that quality is impossible.
With Ryan Jack and John Lundstram leaving Rangers, a defensive midfielder with a bit of nous is sorely needed and one player who has been watched in the past could be a tap in.
Rangers have chance to sign Dimitrios Kourbelis on a Bosman
Last year, the Light Blues watched Panathanaikos captain Dimitrios Kourbelis with reports claiming that he had been informed of he club’s interest.
As a natural leader and defensive midfielder, Kourbelis fits the profile of exactly the type of player that Clement needs to mentor Connor Barron, Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande.
“He is cerebral, possesses the necessary calmness to play in this specific nerve-wracking position,” former team-mate George Georgakopoulos tells SportTime. “He deserves all the best. He’s a great kid.”
At 30-years old, Kourbelis still has plenty of miles on the clock, especially on a Bosman after having his contract at Trabzonspor ripped up.
The irony that Lundstram has replaced the 40-times Greek international isn’t lost.
Georgakopoulos’ description is the sort of thing we used to read about Steven Davis.
Intelligent, composed and can dictate a team’s tempo.
Philippe Clement has spoken before about the young players who arrived early doors being needed to fit Nils Koppen’s new player trading model but that grey hairs will still be needed:
“We were focused on everything, but it is easier earlier to get the young players in, but for the rest of the transfer window there will also be experience coming into the building and we need a good balance in the squad and in the team of both.
“It was important to find these young talents and I think we have found a few really exciting players for the future for this club.”
Kourbelis could offer the experience that Clement needs
Before Lundstram left, Rangers needed a proper number six, a player in the style of Davis and the need is even greater now.
Kourbelis has played for his country on numerous occasions and in the Europa League.
As a former defender, he has the physicality needed for the Scottish game and the mentality to compete in continental football too.
There might not be a blank cheque, but there is still plenty of quality available if Rangers shop smart.
With few signings making more sense than Dimitrios Kourbelis for Clement’s budget.
