Rangers have been linked with a host of left-backs during this transfer window despite it being a position that is currently well stocked, the latest news surrounding Gijs Smal creating more mystery.
Gers boss Philippe Clement has said that he won’t be letting anyone go without replacements despite speculation surrounding an Ibrox exit for both Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barisic.
According to Voetbal International though, Gijs Smal is the one that Rangers are after, but there are a lot of pieces that need to fall into place first and these contradict another confident claim.
Rangers in Gijs Smal transfer confusion as reports conflict
The Twente defender is out of contract in the summer which means that the most likely scenario is that Clement is eyeing the 26-year old for a summer move.
It would be a different scenario if Ridvan left – a £5m price tag has been put on his head – but his recent form suggests that Rangers are in no hurry to chase him out the door, the manager is also more than happy with his commitment to the club.
Smal is like a hybrid of Barisic and Ridvan and it is easy to see why he is being considered.
Rangers have “approached” Smal according to Voetbal International which would make sense considering what the consequences could be for the position over the next six-months.
Clement would need permission to talk to the player despite his contract status but it is the sort of rumour that has Nils Koppen’s name all over it.
It is an easy assertion to make that the director of football recruitment is well aware of Dutch players and who might be available on cut-price deals.
Out of the multiple players linked, long-term, Gijs Smal is the one that ticks most boxes for Rangers.
The potential to put in place a pre-contract agreement as a safety net could make securing an immediate move easier, should the valuation for Ridvan be met.
As we have seen already this window, there has been plenty of smoke and very little fire.
Rangers rumour extinguished as smoke signals prove false alarm
No sooner did it look like the Light Blues had identified a new signing and who could be Philippe Clement’s new left-back than cold water was poured on the story.
Chris Jack, writing on X, was unequivocal when commenting on the speculation linking Gijs Smal to Rangers.
The interesting aspect of this story is that Clement doesn’t comment about any individual players.
He doesn’t comment on transfer speculation or players of other clubs.
The gaffer was quite clear about this.
So, as in the case of Michy Batshuayi, do we see certain players categorically ruled out, but not others?
However.
It wouldn’t be the first time that Rangers have said that they aren’t interested only to parade the same player a few days later.
Watch this space.
