Rangers are on the hunt for a new centre back as injury envelops the Ibrox squad and the club look increasingly short at the heart of defence.
At the same time, Nils Koppen has tried to establish the failing Ibrox club in emerging international markets, as Rangers finally look to get some consistency in their transfer dealings.
Now, these two things could soon be about to meet as Rangers reportedly prepare to re-enter the North African market and once again raid Moroccan football.
That’s because Rangers are now being linked to one of Hamza Igamane’s former FAR Rabat teammates in Hatim Essaouabi.
Rangers target new centre-back
Rangers are on the hunt for a new centre-back following injuries to Neraysho Kasanwirjo and John Souttar.
Versatile Dutch U21 defender Kasanwirjo can play across the backline but his been sent back to Feyenoord after sustaining a serious injury whilst on international duty.
Scotland international John Souttar has been a huge player for Rangers this season and now faces ‘several weeks’ on the sidelines after being injured against Tottenham Hotspur.
The situation has left Rangers with only two natural centre-backs in the squad, with Leon Balogun and Robin Propper now set to dominate the starting XI for the festive run-in.
It’s a situation Rangers are clearly keen to avoid happening again, and as a result there have been links to Moroccan centre-back Hatim Essaouabi in the North African country’s press.
Hatim Essaouabi linked to Ibrox
According to online Moroccan football site Kora Maroc, Rangers are interested in signing 24-year-old defender Hatim Essaouabi next summer.
It’s claimed that Rangers have been impressed by the defender’s recent performances and will look to target Essaouabi in the summer transfer window.
Translated, the report reads:
“According to our information, Rangers have recently contacted AS FAR Rabat to inquire about Hatim Essaouabi.
“The Scottish club, impressed by his performances, is seriously considering recruiting him during the next summer transfer window!”
Hatim Essaboui is a former teammate of Rangers striker Hamza Igamane, who joined the Gers from FAR Rabat earlier in the summer.
The 22-year-old striker has gone on to make a big impression in Scotland and Gers fans will have one eye on Hatim Essaboui from here on in.
