Rangers fans were beginning to think that Philippe Clement was going to have to make do with what he had until a flurry of names appeared this week.
Fiorentina winger Josip Brekalo could be a replacement for Blackburn Rovers bound Rabbi Matondo if reports are to be believed and Benfica midfielder Martim Neto is also an exciting proposition.
All of these rumours fell into obscurity though when Fabrizio Romano dropped news of a £6m bid from Rangers for Kaiky of Almeria.
Staggering valuation of Kaiky as Rangers consider next move
Philippe Clement knows that he needs more quality in his Rangers squad and, with a return to Ibrox on the horizon, things could be picking up given the reputation of Kaiky.
The 20-year old centre-half has been targeted on a loan to buy deal, however, there is no indication yet if it is an obligation or option that Nils Koppen has offered.
What is confirmed, is that Barcelona had agreed a first refusal transfer with Santos when Kaiky was a talented teenage making his way in senior football.
The fee agreed by the cash-strapped Catalans was a staggering £17m according to Sport 45, should they have decided to bring the Brazilian youth international to Europe.
That’s a lot of money for a relatively untested teenager.
Kaiky doesn’t seem the type to get flustered though with his Almeria debut being against Real Madrid before heading out on loan to get more regular game time.
Kaiky could be the latest young leader to arrive at Rangers
When he first arrived in Spain, Kaiky made an immediate impression by speaking the language, not only that, he seemed a very determined individual as reported by Diario del Almeria:
“My passing, apart from my technical quality, is my strong point. I work hard on it and I know I always have to improve.
“Since I was little, I was always captain of the youth teams and the national team, and that helped me a lot in my growth. I can contribute to the team on and off the field. I have that inner leadership.
“Playing for the senior team has been the dream of every Brazilian since he was a child. Luckily I have been in all the lower ranks and everything has its time. I am very young and I have a lot of work to do now to be able to be there.”
As with Connor Barron, Clinton Nsiala and Mohamed Diomande, just because Rangers are signing players with a younger profile, it doesn’t mean that they can’t be leaders.
Young players have to be strong mentally to make the step up and it is rare to see centre-halves in particular break through at the top end of elite football due to te rigours and pressure of the position.
Resposibility seems to be something that Kaiky thrives on though and, after one rejected bid, Rangers could well be hoping to beat the deadline day clock with another – although it won’t be anywhere near Barcelona’s £17m.
