Rangers-linked Angelo Fulgini has revealed that new Nottingham Forest defender Moussa Niakhate was the one who helped convince him to sign for Bundesliga Mainz.
The German club have officially announced the signing of the former French youth international and Angers SCO star, who joins on a widely reported £6m deal [Bild].
This comes after Rangers were heavily linked with a move in the press alongside other clubs in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
But it’s Mainz who have won the race for the 25-year-old and Angelo Fulgini will now be plying his trade in Germany instead of France next season.
Speaking after Mainz confirmed the deal, Fulgini has revealed that talks with close friend and ex-Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate were a difference-maker in negotiations.
Nottingham Forest star Niakhate sold Mainz to Rangers-linked Fulgini
Centre-back Niakhate, 26, has just moved to Nottingham Forest in a near £13m deal but had spent four years in Germany with Mainz before the move.
A close friend of Fulgini’s, the midfielder claims he was sold on a move to Germany after speaking with the French defender as he confirms interest from elsewhere.
“I really wanted to play in the Bundesliga and there were a few clubs who were interested in me, but Mainz 05 is the right club for me,” said Fulgini [Mainz].
“I had a lot of good discussions with Bo Svensson, but also Moussa Niakhaté, who is a close friend of mine and said some wonderful things about the club which convinced me to come.
“I’m looking forward to the Bundesliga now, and especially the Mainz fans.”
Rangers will now focus their energies elsewhere in the transfer market with the Ibrox club certainly busy as things stand.
Adding John Souttar, Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence and now Rabbi Matondo, the latest suggests the club aren’t quite finished yet.
According to reports, it’s a player who has made the breakthrough at one of Europe’s elite clubs who is now in the Rangers sights.
