Report – Key Galatasaray talent could miss Rangers clash after big exit development
Galatasaray midfielder Younes Belhanda could miss the Turkish side’s Europa League clash against Rangers on Thursday.
Turkish outlet Spor reports that Belhanda is close to agreeing a move to French outfit Nice, a side with who he spent a year on loan with during the 2016/17 season.
As a result, Belhanda may not travel to Glasgow to face Rangers, as he is instead expected to finalise that deal.
Belhanda’s absence will be a small boost for Rangers, as the Moroccan international has started the season in decent form, with two goals in five competitive appearances this season.
His most recent outing for the Istanbul side was in their 0-0 draw with Fenerbahce last weekend, and it looks as though that could well be his last appearance in the colours of Galatasaray.
What does this mean for Rangers?
Having a player as significant as Belhanda headed for the exit door can only be a good thing for the Gers, especially going into a tie that Steven Gerrard himself has admitted sees his side approach it as underdogs.
There are still plenty of reasons for the Light Blues to be optimistic though.
For one thing, Sunday’s 5-1 win over Motherwell saw a number of unexpected players impress.
Jordan Jones, Calvin Bassey, and Cedric Itten all caught the eye, with Jones and Itten scoring their first Rangers goals.
None of those players started in the Gers’ previous Europa League outing against Willem II, but Jones and Itten especially could have played themselves into contention to feature on Thursday.
As previously discussed by Ibrox News, the former Kilmarnock winger in particular put in a wonderful shift at Fir Park, and we would be fully onboard with him being given the nod against the Turkish giants.
In other Rangers news, Report – PL club plot raid for Rangers 28y/o, Gerrard will ‘fight hard’ to hang on to him.