Ex-Rangers kid Dire Mebude has impressed so much in the Man City youth set-up that he’s now being linked to the likes of PSV Eindhoven, Club Brugge and a team in the Premier League.
That’s according to Athletic journalist David Orstein, who claims the English champions are also considering giving the 18-year-old Scottish winger a new contract.
According to the report, any move could be a permanent one with a buy-back clause inserted into the deal such is how highly regarded the kid is at the Etihad.
Rangers sold Dire Mebude to Man City in 2020 and the young attacker has clearly made an impression down south with interest gathering around the winger.
Upon exiting the Ibrox club, Rangers academy chief Craig Mullholland paid tribute to the kid but it isn’t exactly clear how much Rangers recouped for the player, or if there are any add-ons which might see the Ibrox side directly benefit from any transfer.
“We wish Dire well at Manchester City,” said Mullholland [Glasgow Times].
“Ross and I will take the decision to trade players out when we believe a deal represents value for Rangers and fits in with the overall planning that we have in mind for our squads.
“That is the case with Dire and he leaves with our best wishes.”
Ex-Rangers kid Dire Mebude linked with Man City exit
Dire Mebude spent eight years in the Rangers youth set up and is widely regarded as one of the brightest young Scottish talents in the game.
A move to the continent represents a very interesting one for a player who has yet to make a top team appearance at the professional level.
With Mebude’s contract expiring in 2024 this may be the best time for Man City to move the player on but Rangers might well be thinking what might’ve been had they kept the attacker around.
Dire Mebude is also the younger brother of striker Dapo, who made the breakthrough at Rangers in the 18/19 season before moving to Watford two seasons ago.
Meanwhile, a controversial Rangers Champions League move could recoup up to £9m for the club.