Rangers have been dealt an apparent transfer blow after reported target Joseph Okumu sealed a multi-million-pound move from Elfsborg to KAA Gent.
In March, Aftonbladet reported that Rangers were lining up the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Filip Helander if he moved to the Premier League, and a subsequent report from the same outlet claimed that the Gers and Celtic had both made offers.
However, it’s now clear that Okumu won’t be coming to Ibrox this summer.
That’s because Jupiler Pro League side Gent have officially confirmed his capture on a four-year deal. Voetbal Nieuws report that the fee involved was €3.5m (£3m).
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“Joseph is a great central defender who will also add footballing ability to our defence [translated],” said Gent ‘sport manager’ Tim Matthys [Kaagent.be].
“He has very good vertical passing and it is no coincidence that he has attracted the attention of many clubs. We are glad he chose us.”
The 6ft 4″ Kenyan international has made a lot of progress since 2016, moving from Kenya to South Africa, before playing in the United States prior to his switch to Sweden and now he’s earned a long-term deal in a higher-profile European league.
Rangers have done transfer business with Belgian clubs in the recent past, bringing in Kemar Roofe from Anderlecht and Ianis Hagi from Genk.
Therefore, perhaps they will keep an eye on Okumu’s progress in East Flanders, with a view to a potential future swoop.
A Rangers-linked wonderkid won’t be heading to Ibrox either this summer, after signing a new deal with his current club.