When Robin Propper became Rangers’ ninth summer signing on August 1st, Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen appeared ahead of schedule in their desire to create a potentially title-winning squad at Ibrox.
But in the last three weeks, things have stalled.
Clement admits that Rangers have to sell before they can buy. And while there is a renewed sense of positivity – Ianis Hagi, Rabbi Matondo and Ben Davies could all be shipped out this month – a hitherto highly-promising window could have a rather frustrating conclusion.
Tiago Gouveia, the talented Portugal Under 21 international, is among those whom Rangers cannot move for until funds can be freed up.
And, after his ‘dazzling’ cameo in last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Casa Pia, it is far from guaranteed that Benfica would even be willing to listen to any offers Rangers are willing to make.
Rangers held talks with Benfica’s Tiago Gouveia
Gouveia, returning after a loan spell at Estoril, came of age as a Benfica player last time out. The score was 0-0 when he was introduced just after the hour mark.
Five minutes later, Gouveia cut in from the left and whipped a pin-point cross onto the head of new £17 million team-mate Vangelis Pavlidis.
Just to make sure that the three points would be staying at the Estadio da Luz, Gouveia then doubled Benfica’s lead soon after. A cool, classy finish into the far corner on his right boot.
Gouveia may have feared he would struggle for first-team chances this term. Hence why the likes of Rangers, Villarreal and Anderlecht all came knocking, holding talks and attempting to find out whether Gouveia could be lured away with the prospect of a starring role elsewhere, per Diario de Transferencias.
The 23-year-old’s matchwinning introduction against Casa Pia, however, might just have cemented his place in the plans of head coach Roger Schmidt.
And while he may still be forced down the pecking order by new arrivals – Benfica recently banked a further £25 million by selling David Neres to Napoli – Schmidt is keen to point out that the Lisbon giants may instead opt to put their faith in their own, homegrown talent.
As such, the £7 million-rated Gouveia – who shone as a left-winger vs Casa Pia but has also been tried out at right-back – is among those most likely to benefit from such an approach.
Benfica boss Roger Schmidt full of praise
“We have a right-back in the squad, Alex Bah. We are very happy that he is healthy and in good shape again. But, of course, we try to find solutions in that position for when he is unable to play,” the German tactician tells A Bola
“Tiago Gouveia played in that position in some friendly matches and was also tested in training. In the last game, he also showed his quality as an attacking midfielder.
“Of course, the ideal would be to have a clear situation in that position but we will only do things when we are convinced about the player, about the transfer. We are looking for that. If there is an opportunity, of course we can do it.
“If that is not possible, I think we can also compensate with our current squad,” adds the former Bayer Leverkusen and PSV Eindhoven coach.
“Tiago brought that new energy, and of course these are always good arguments to be in the starting eleven.”
Rangers appear to have made a concerted effort to target versatile talents like Gouveia in recent times. Someone capable of thriving off the left is a must after the departure of last season’s loan duo Fabio Silva and Abdallah Sima.
Rabbi Matondo, meanwhile, could move to Blackburn Rovers.
