Gijs Smal has confirmed he is likely to leave FC Twente this summer but in a boost to Rangers’ hopes the left-back insists that his reported move to Eredivisie champions Feyenoord is not a done deal just yet.
After the reports emerged on Friday suggesting that Gijs Smal had signed a long-term contract with Feyenoord – with still two months of the current campaign remaining – the FC Twente supporters clearly had no qualms about letting their feelings known.
Smal’s first touch was greeted by plenty of jeers during Twente’s 2-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday, the home fans clearly unimpressed by suggestions that one of their star men had agreed to join a Feyenoord side sitting just six points ahead of them in the table and battling the left-back’s current employers for that runners-up spot.
Smal is making no secret of the fact this is likely to be his last season in Enschede. But, with Rangers also keen on a man who finished top of the Eredivisie’s assist charts last term, the much-coveted 26-year-old has given the Glasgow giants a timely boost as he insists that no decision has been made yet regarding his next destination.
Rangers given fresh hope by Gijs Smal
“Of course, my phone exploded. I put it away after fifteen minutes!,” Smal tells ESPN. “I talked about it with the coach and (director) Arnold Bruggink. You know something like that can happen.
“How do you prepare for that? I got that first pass, and they (the fans) start whistling. I understand it in a way.
“I thought it was strange that something like this would come out anyway, because there is nothing yet. Look, I would be lying if I said that I have never had contact with them (Feyenoord). I am a free transfer, so I am getting my bearings.
“I have also been in contact with other clubs. Only now, they are pretending I am already a Feyenoord player, and that is simply not true.”
Feyenoord deal not done yet
Smal, per Rotterdam-based publication 1908, remains on Rangers’ radar after Philippe Clement’s side showed an interest in January. Smal, who will be known to the club’s director of football and ex-PSV chief Nils Koppen, could be a fine replacement for the similarly out-of-contract Borna Barisic.
The Twente ace shares Barisic’s pinpoint delivery from deep and from set-piece situations.
“I understand from the perspective of the fans, that they are disappointed that I am leaving on a free transfer,” Smal adds. “That is not yet the case, although the chance that I will renew is very small.”
Rangers also remain keen on Jefte Vital. The Gers agreed terms with Fluminense in January but could not seal a deal for the Brazilian as he was under contract at loan club APOEL Nicosia.
