Rangers transfer policy has taken an obvious turn for the better this summer as more players with the right type of profile arrive at the club.
Young, energetic, dynamic – that Philippe Clement’s best players against Ajax were Jefte, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron and then the likes of Alex Lowry and Robbie Fraser from the academy.
Not many senior players have been linked to Rangers but the next best thing is those who may be lacking in years but have been around the block a few times.
Nobody ticks this box more than Abdallah Sima.
Rangers boss admits Abdallah Sima love
The 22-year old Senegal international has played in England, France, Czechia and, of course, Scotland.
He’s been involved with his country at a major tournament and has experience of the Champions League and Europa League.
As per Nils Koppen and Clement’s transfer policy, he also still has a lot to learn and room to develop.
Since signing for Brighton for a reported £6m, Sima has been pushed from pillar to post on various loan deals and it is clear from his previous interviews that Rangers is where he wants to call home.
For Philippe Clement, the feeling is mutual, as reported by The Scottish Sun:
“I’ve been in touch with him, of course.
“He’s like one of my sons. Abda loves the club. Abda loves the way of playing we had last season and his role in that. He loved his teammates and the staff.
“But at the end of the day, Brighton is the owner so it’s all about the money then. At the moment it’s not possible. But we will see along the way if there comes a possibility because we would love to get him back. We will see if it is possible.”
Personal touch could sway Sima transfer decision
Whether or not your glass is half empty or half full will have a bearing on your interpretation of Philippe Clement’s comments.
It looks like Rangers, Clement and Abdallah Sima all want the transfer to happen.
As the Gers boss says though, Brighton are the party that needs to be persuaded.
With a new manager and the Seagulls not having their first pre-season fixture until the 24th of July, a decision on Sima’s future is unlikely to be made anytime soon.
The transfer window is also open until the end of August and Brighton will know that they can play the waiting game.
It doesn’t sound like Rangers are too far away from what is needed to make something happen with Sima but it might be that Brighton are holding out for as much money as possible.
By keeping in touch with Sima, Clement is ensuring Rangers are at the forefront of his thinking and showing him the love that every footballer needs – especially one that has been so nomadic so early on in his career.
When the chips are down, will Sima choose another new adventure, or the place where his first child was born and where he knows he will be made to feel welcome the moment he walks through the door?
If nobody else comes in, with just a year left on his contract, Clement might just get his man and a welcome family reunion.
