Rangers plot pre-contract deal for 13-cap int’l striker as PL clubs circle – report
Rangers are lining up a pre-contract deal for KV Oostende striker Fashion Sakala, according to an exclusive by the Daily Record.
Sakala is currently playing in the Belgian Jupiler League and has scored five goals in 15 appearances for Oostende this season, with no player at the club scoring more than his total for the 10th placed side.
The striker made his international debut for Zambia in 2017 and scored his first international goal against Ivory Coast in 2019.
He is now a target for Rangers with the Daily Record reporting that he is “high on the list of the Premiership leaders” and fits into director of football Ross Wilson’s business model ideals.
However, Sakala is also being courted by Belgian giants Anderlecht while Premier League sides West Ham and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, per the Daily Record.
A striker who can also “play on either flank”, Sakala’s versatility would appear to fit in well for Rangers who currently boast the likes of Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten who can play across the forward line.
Morelos replacement?
With his contract expiring on June 30 2021, Sakala is an attractive proposition for a host of clubs that do not want to commit to a transfer fee for a player that is still relatively inexperienced.
Sakala only made his European top-flight debut in 2018 when he joined Oostende from Spartak Moscow after playing for the Russian side’s reserve outfit.
Per Wyscout Sakala is actually performing under his expected goal tally, with his five league goals lower than his xG of 6.75.
If he does sign for Rangers then he will hope to follow in the footsteps of another striker that was a relative unknown and made a big impact.
Alfredo Morelos was brought in from Finish side HJK in 2017 and his goals were instrumental in driving the Gers forward, scoring double figures in the Premiership in his first three seasons.
His goalscoring touch has deserted him this season though, with just four goals in 17 Premiership games as he continues to be linked with a move away.
Whether he is brought in as a Morelos replacement or just another option across the Rangers frontline it will be interesting to see how Sakala fits into the side, if a pre-contract can be agreed for his summer arrival.
In other Rangers news, our view on the deal Gerrard must tie up before making new signings.