We don’t just how interested Rangers were in bringing Oussama Targhalline to Ibrox.
The 22-year-old Moroccan international midfielder came through the youth ranks at Marseille and was approaching a crossroads as his contract ticked down at Le Havre in France.
Rangers were linked to Targhalline in the summer by L’Equipe in France, one of the country’s most reputable sources, and on paper a deal suited all parties.
But after signing with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, the Moroccan midfielder has been out explaining why he chose De Kuip over the likes of Ibrox.
Oussama Targhalline to Feyenoord official
Oussama Targhalline is young, with bucket loads of potential, and occupies an area of the park Rangers do find themselves short in.
The Ibrox side’s growing Moroccan influence through Hamza Igamane and new assistant manager Issame Charai also raised hopes of a transfer to Rangers.
Charai was in charge of the Moroccan U23s when they lifted the AFCON thanks to an extra time goal from Targhalline in the final against Egypt.
But as things have transpired, Oussama Targhalline has completed a transfer to Feyenoord in the Netherlands, signing a four-and-a-half year contract.
The Dutch outfit have had a conveyor belt of young talent come through their ranks in recent seasons and have been a feeder club to some of Europe’s top clubs.
On paper this looks like a blow to Rangers given all the boxes the Moroccan ticks at Ibrox and Targhalline has been offering an explanation after arriving in the Netherlands.
Rangers-linked midfielder explains transfer
Oussama Targhalline is delighted to be at Feyenoord and has explained that he couldn’t refuse the offer of the Dutch giants.
The Moroccan midfielder has also explained that the ‘beautiful city’ of Rotterdam played a big role, whilst the famous atmosphere at De Kuip sealed the deal.
“I’m happy to be here”, Targhalline said, at quoted by Voetbal International.
”Feyenoord is a big club and you can’t refuse big clubs if they are interested in you and Rotterdam is a beautiful city and the people are very nice. It feels good here.
“I want to help the team as much as possible by doing what I do best: giving passes, taking balls and being of service to the team.
”I also know that the fans are great and that they provide one of the best atmospheres in Europe. That gives me extra motivation.”
Oussama Targhalline has also been explaining that it wasn’t just Rangers who were showing a summer interest in his services.
Targhalline claims that Feyenoord have been tailing him ever since the summer Olympics in Paris and since then he’s only had his eyes on Rotterdam.
”Last summer Feyenoord already showed interest, after the Olympic Games in Paris,” said Targhalline, as quoted by Voetbal International.
“That shows a lot of confidence for me. In the past few days everything has accelerated and it has actually happened.
“And now that I’m here, I’m going to do everything I can to help the team as soon as possible.”
