Rangers must re-enter the market for a centre-back despite Michael Beale claiming he might look within the defenders he’s currently got at the club this season.
The Gers boss was speaking after the 2-1 friendly win over HSV and had suggested that the likes of young defensive talent Johnly Yfeko had given him food for thought this season.
This comes after Rangers had added Leon Balogun to the club’s defensive ranks, the former Ibrox star returning in the apparent panic around an injury to Leon King.
With the young Scotland star’s ankle problem now better than first feared, and Rangers potentially looking at a loan move for the teeanger, plenty might think the club is well stocked at centre-back.
But after a stuttering defensive display against Olympiakos at Ibrox, there’s a creeping fear that last season’s demoralising defensive options could repeat the feat again this year.
Left-sided Rangers defenders fail to soothe fan fears
Particularly down the left-hand side, Rangers look timid and the club needs more reinforcements heading into the beginning of the season.
A left-sided centre-back is simply a must with ex-Leicester City kid Johnly Yfeko also showing exactly why he’s not ready for the top level in a stuttering display in the 3-1 defeat.
The youngster wasn’t alone – Ben Davies once again didn’t cover himself in glory whilst questions persist around Borna Barisic – but many of the issues are coming down that side of the park.
The likes of Auston Trusty of Arsenal and Jonathan Panzo of Nottingham Forest have been linked and Rangers would do well to get deals for either over the line this summer.
If Michael Beale fails to do so, and goes into the campaign with Ben Davies and an untested Johnly Yfeko as options in the position, he’s setting himself up perfectly if it all goes wrong.
It’s clear Rangers need more options here and we wouldn’t be surprised to see such a player come in in the weeks ahead.
