It was a January transfer window with a difference as youngsters Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes rocked up at Rangers to help Philippe Clement’s title bid.
Left-back Jefte was also close to a deal but it would appear that a summer move now seems more likely as the Gers boss sets about reinvigorating his squad with a youthful exuberence.
The profile of the three players has changed from previous targets and it has been suggested that Rangers are heading in another direction under Philippe Clement.
Rangers heading in new transfer direction under Philippe Clement
Luca Langoni might not be the only South American who Nils Koppen has on his transfer wishlist as the new Light Blues director of recruitment sets about progressing our player trading model.
The Boca Juniors winger was a notable name mentioned in January but, like Jefte, his name might resurface in the summer.
Langoni shouldn’t be the only South American starlet that is under consideration and that a new approach could see the next Alfredo Morelos arrive at Auchenhowie.
Older players will be moved on as well as those who aren’t contributing to be replaced with ones like Cortes who have been watched for some time.
The 20-year old’s injury is a big blow for Philippe Clement but you’d struggle to find a Rangers fan who hasn’t been impressed enough for us to take up his option to buy when the transfer window re-opens.
What Rangers have to do is sign quality players, first and foremost.
If they can make a contribution and then be sold at a profit then even better.
South American football expert, scout and recruitment agency head, Simon Edwards, explained via Inews why shopping in the region is a no-brainer:
“[English] clubs always wanted some names to keep track of but… there were so few players eligible for the work permit who also had the required level and were within budget.
“The few players who met those requirements would be wanted by the biggest Champions League clubs.
“The requirements are so much lower now, particularly for U20 [national team] players. Any club that is willing to go an unconventional route is looking at this very seriously.”
Koppen has shown already that he will cast his net wider than his predecessors which can only be a good thing with competition at Rangers end of the market more competitive than ever.
The key, is signing players like Cortes and Diomande before they make their first big move so that we don’t have to fork out £4-5m to sign them.
The Under-20 players that Edwards speaks about is exactly the market that we should be targeting with the Premier League on our doorstep and Champions League football on offer too.
Not every player will work out, but it could save – and make – us an awful lot of money.
