The transfer window may have shut; however, this hasn’t stopped Rangers from being linked with signing new players to help Philippe Clement.
After watching his side overcome an awkward Dundee United, the manager must have noticed the occasional lack of control and absence of a wise old head in midfield.
Clement has hinted that there was a “possibility” of Rangers entering the free agent market for a number six, which sees the latest transfer news seem a little out of place.
- READ MORE: Rangers Net Transfer Spend Summer 2024
Davy Klaassen turns down Rangers to rejoin Ajax
According to transfer journalist Nicolo Schira, the hugely experienced Davy Klaassen – who was one of the best free agents available – has knocked back a move to Ibrox to return to Ajax.
“Behind The Scenes – Davy #Klaassen has turned down #RangersFC and #RoyalAntwerp bids in the last days to return to #Ajax. #transfers.”
With Nedim Bajrami signing for £3.4m, Tom Lawrence in fine form and Mohamed Diomande capable of moving into a more advanced position, it would seem strange to sign another attacking midfielder who would be on big wages regardless of if he has 41 Netherlands caps.
And this is without considering the day that Clement swallows his pride to restore Ianis Hagi to the first team squad.
The issue, as it was again at Tannadice was missing a midfielder who can dictate the tempo of a game and slow an opponent who is in the ascendency.
Steven Davis was a master at this, and few have been better in the colours of Rangers than Barry Ferguson.
Fans aren’t expecting this calibre of player on a budget, but it is a role that has been an issue for some time.
Nicolas Raskin could be Rangers best number six option
The player who seems to fit this profile the most is Nicolas Raskin, however, Connor Barron’s form sees him almost undroppable.
He has, unquestionably, been Rangers best midfielder this season.
The Scotland Under-21 international might yet develop that level of control to his game, it just isn’t there yet.
Raskin’s profile suits being a number six more than any other of the midfielders available to Philippe Clement.
The Gers boss might have to tweak his system slightly if he wanted to play Barron too though.
Raskin will have to wait his turn, despite being rated by the manager, but Clement is expecting something good from his compatriot:
“I hope [he can have] a really big one [season].
“Nico has a lot of quality, and he has a lot of competition also with a good player like Connor Barron. So, it’s going to be interesting with the two of them.
“But we have a lot of games. So, this is going to be the season until the end of January. So that’s the next four months and a half that we will play every three days normally.”
Raskin is not long back at full fitness and has had to be content with appearances off the bench in recent games.
As he gets sharper though, Clement will have a decision to make.
Unless he pulls a number six out of the free agent bag that is.
