Philippe Clement is nothing if not coy when it comes to Rangers’ transfer dealings.
From the moment the January transfer window opened at Ibrox, the Rangers manager hasn’t given away anything about what the club plans to do this month.
Indeed, Philippe Clement had Rangers fans fearing the worst when he pointed towards transfer updates being Patrick Stewart’s responsibility.
With Stewart giving some clarity over Rangers’ transfer position this January, it’s clear there will be opportunities to sign players this month.
A philosophical Philippe Clement however wasn’t giving journalists an inch when it comes to who might come into Ibrox this month, or indeed who might leave.
Philippe Clement in philosophical transfer response
Speaking to the press ahead of the Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen, Philippe Clement was naturally asked about Rangers’ transfer business.
Having been given a number of profiles to review by Nils Koppen and the recruitment team, Clement is satisfied that Rangers have identified solid targets.
But when it comes to how close or far such transfer negotiations are down the line, the Rangers manager gave journalists some philosophical food for thought.
“I get this question already seven or eight years now,” Clement said when asked if any transfer deals where down the line.
”And it’s always the same answer, because it’s also the truth.
”What is close and what is far? You cannot say that in a transfer window.
”You can only say something when something is signed, when somebody’s in the building, when everything is done.
”Otherwise it’s always far away.
”We made this analyse of the squad, we looked at players, we know what can be interesting players for the club.
”It’s now to see with the club if it’s possible to get them.
“Every manager wants more. It’s like that.
”But I am focused on what’s possible for the club and then to work with the squad that’s there to get the best out of that squad. That’s my job.”
Rangers manager coy on outgoings
Whilst Philippe Clement will hope to recruit several new players for Rangers this January, there are also a number of players in the squad not quite cutting the mustard at Ibrox.
Rangers are paying the price for years of poor recruitment with over-rated players on inflated wages clogging up the Ibrox squad.
The likes of Cyriel Dessers and Rabbi Matondo have been subject to exit links this month whilst there remain big questions over the effectiveness of Kieran Dowell.
But Philippe Clement refused to be drawn on the Rangers futures of anyone on the periphery of the Ibrox squad, even if the Belgian admitted players could leave.
”It’s the same question as incomings,” said Clement. “You don’t know what’s going to happen.
”There are possibilities yes, but we will see.”
