Rangers to miss out on Emran Soglo, set to sign for Marseille
Rangers have come off second best in a head to head race to sign ex-Chelsea youth prospect Emran Soglo, according to Football Scotland.
The Light Blues had offered the 16-year-old a contract to come to Ibrox after leaving West London, but the player has chosen to sign for Marseille.
The Sun reported that he was set to move to German giants Bayern Munich in the summer although a move did not end up happening, and exWHUemployee reported in October that West Ham were looking into the youngster.
Football Scotland report that he is “considered an extremely exciting teen” and that the hierarchy in Glasgow envisaged him becoming a key part of their B team, but he is now set to be unveiled as Marseille’s “new prodigy” instead.
Disappointing result
While it won’t make a difference in the suddenly very uncomfortable battle at the top of the Scottish Premiership it will none the less be a disappointment to the decision makers at Ibrox to miss out on the teenager.
The midfield prospect formed part of what Football Scotland says is a deliberate policy to look to English clubs’ youth players for potential additions to the academy set up so, having identified a player, it is a shame to miss out.
Especially as he was a free agent at the time and had reportedly been invited to Glasgow before being offered a contract.
Soglo will hope to pick up with his development again, and the fact that two big clubs were competing for him should help maintain his confidence having been let go by the European champions.
If he has trained in Munich and been assessed by West Ham without securing a deal it will be interesting to see if he makes the grade as a top level player.
If he does, there is still plenty of time for Gers to sign him later on down the line.
In other Rangers news, the club has won the race to make a last-minute signing before the transfer deadline.