Two Rangers targets have officially slipped through Philippe Clement’s grasp with Luke Thomas joining Middlesbrough from Leicester City and Nathaniel Adjei on his way to France.
In the final week of the window, two of the defensive options reportedly on Rangers’ radar saw their immediate futures solidified.
Rangers, according to Peter O’Rourke’s Football Insider, made an approach to bring in Luke Thomas on loan from Leicester City. Thomas had endured a difficult first half of the season on loan at Sheffield United, with The Foxes open to tearing up that arrangement and green-lighting a new one.
But, rather than head north of the border, the England Under-21 international now joins his parent club in the Championship instead. Thomas is officially a Middlesbrough player. Well, from now until June, anyway.
Rangers linked Luke Thomas joins Middlesbrough
“We’re delighted to bring Luke to the club,” Boro boss Michael Carrick smiles.
“He’s a good addition to the squad, he has plenty of experience, and he will bring a balance to what we have. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
Nathaniel Adjei, meanwhile, has secured a short-term deal of his own. The Hammarby-owned centre-half becomes the latest Ghanaian talent to join the ranks of FC Lorient, with a permanent deal potentially costing around £6 million (SportBladet).
Rangers, Sky Sports say, sent scouts to watch Adjei before Christmas. At the time, the much-coveted centre-half was being tipped to leave Swedish football for a fee in the £4 million bracket.
Nathaniel Adjei moves to France
“It’s a great opportunity for me to sign for Merlus (Lorient) and to discover Ligue 1. A championship which has seen many Ghanaians play there. By joining FC Lorient, I am taking a step forward in my career,” Adjei tells the club’s website.
“I will continue my progress and strengthen myself at the highest level through contact with my new team-mates. The challenge that awaits us is important but I will do everything to achieve the end-of-season objective.”
Rangers are unlikely to bring in a central defender this month. Connor Goldson, Leon Balogun, Ben Davies and John Souttar are all at Clement’s disposal. A left-back could still arrive, however, with the Glasgow giants reportedly agreeing a deal to sign Fluminense starlet Jefte.
