According to an update from journalist Pete O’Rourke, Rangers are among the clubs ‘pursuing’ a 20-year-old ‘sensation’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rangers entrances and exits
The Gers will look to shape their squad for a new era in Philippe Clement’s first summer as manager, with several players on expiring contracts on the way out.
As we approach the summer, various links have emerged and an exciting claim suggests the Scottish Premiership title contenders are set to make a ‘number’ of new signings following the release of the CEO Fans Forum minutes with Creag Robertson: “A number of good discussions with active targets are underway.
“I cannot provide any further details at the moment. Ideally, we would like to sign players early, at the start of pre-season, although the European Championships might slow down the market a bit. Our intention is to be at the forefront and sign players as early as possible, but we need to be flexible to market dynamics.”
A permanent move for Abdallah Sima may be on the cards, with Brighton keen to sell the Rangers loanee permanently this summer, while young Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan is also a target and seen as an upgrade for Tom Lawrence.
However, it looks like John Lundstram’s time at Ibrox is up as a move to Trabzonspor has reportedly been made and players such as Borna Barisic and Kemar Roofe are also likely to move on.
Rangers eye young ‘sensation’
Accordingly Football InsiderO’Rourke is here XRangers are among the clubs interested in signing Raphael Borges Rodrigues this summer:
“Rangers and Coventry are in the hunt for Australian sensation Raphael Borges Rodrigues from Macarthur FC. Swindon Town are also interested in the attacker as the club’s Australian owner Clem Morfuni has highlighted Rodrigues’ potential.”
In his article, O’Rourke claims that the teams in question are “preparing moves” for the 20-year-old, who currently plays for Australian A-League club Macarthur.
Admittedly, Rodrigues isn’t exactly a household name considering he plies his trade on the other side of the world, but it’s clear he’s a highly-rated young player with high potential. He has won three caps for Australia at youth level – one for the under-23s and two for the under-20s – and a tally of six goals in 34 appearances for Macarthur is a solid achievement considering the type of young player he is.
Rodrigues, who is primarily a left-sided attacker, could come to Rangers as a strong squad player who can adapt to his surroundings and be used sporadically. However, the hope is that over time he will fulfill his potential and gradually become a key player who can provide real quality in the final third.
Related
The 10 best Rangers managers of all time, ranked by win percentage
The club is aiming to win the Scottish Premiership, but where does Philippe Clement rank among his predecessors?
O’Rourke’s report describes him as a “flashy winger with quick feet and plenty of skill in his locker.” He’s the type of player who could sweep Gers fans off their seats, not to mention he could help fill the void left by Gers fans likely departing Roofe.