Michael Beale was pretty clear, with just a couple of weeks left in the transfer window, that he wanted a Ryan Kent replacement for Rangers, a winger or attacking midfielder with genuine pace.
Instead, he sold Fashion Sakala, a forward who was one of the fastest players in the squad and one who, despite his flaws, could produce decent numbers.
After reports at the weekend that claimed Ibrahim Adel was missed in a late swoop, Michael Beale looks to have tried, and failed, to get the versatile forward he so desperately wanted for Rangers.
Ibrahim Adel wasn’t only Rangers wide man option
Abdallah Sima arrived early doors in an exciting loan move, a player with pace to burn and a decent reputation but he isn’t a natural ball carrier like Kent was.
Benie Traore and Luis Palma – now of Celtic – were also said to be the subject of bids with the latter, at one point, looking like he was going to be our first summer signing.
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Fair enough if there was just speculation but, for all of these players, Michael Beale had, reportedly, made offers to bring them to Rangers.
Add Ibrahim Adel to that list and there is a definite pattern of Rangers being interested in securing a winger.
It must be one of the first and priority targets for January now.
None of them arrived and the Gers boss has resorted to giving Rabbi Matondo another chance.
What makes things even more bizarre is that Scott Wright was allowed to leave after Rangers had accepted an offer from Pendikspor.
It’s one thing looking to get the right deal for the club but Michael Beale really is short of options in terms of natural width and pace.
Sam Lammers can beat a player but he doesn’t have the same natural speed as the others.
Danilo is, probably, our quickest forward and, given our recent form, it would be a surprise if Michael Beale doesn’t go to plan B and give the Brazilian a run in the team after the international break.
If he doesn’t, he might not be here long enough to finally replace Ryan Kent.