Sean Fisher

Fri 16 December 2022 8:40, UK

Rangers are preparing a £500,000 move for Trofense midfielder Benedito Mambuene Mukendi, according to The Scottish Sun.

Michael Beale will want to strengthen his Gers squad in January and leave his own stamp on the dressing room, and it seems he has his sights set on Mukendi as one of his first signings at the club.

The 20-year-old Angolan midfielder has been shining in Portugal’s second tier over the last two seasons, and his contract expiration in the summer has a number of clubs on high alert.

According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are tempted to launch a £500,000 bid in January to fend off other clubs looking to sign Mukendi in the summer.

As per the report, “Rangers also feel they can offer more attractive wages and a chance to play European football should they qualify next season.”

Get it done

Despite a number of Gers players returning from injury this month, Beale will still need investment and backing from the board to help him improve and overhaul this ageing Rangers squad.

The squad is particularly fragile in midfield, with far too much responsibility put on the shoulders of 37-year-old Steven Davis and 34-year-old Scott Arfield this season.

The Rangers midfield is crying out for some energy and youth – characteristics that Mukendi will bring in bucketloads.

While it’d financially be better to wait until the summer to pick him up on a free transfer, Rangers could do with the reinforcements this winter and £500,000 is still a good deal for a player that will directly improve the first-team squad.

It’s certainly an investment that Rangers will look back on fondly if Mukeni is able to live up to his lofty potential. He’s held in high regard in Portugal after shining for Trofense, but a move to Ibrox would be a huge step in quality.

It’s an exciting deal with hardly any risk attached to the signing. Get the deal done.

In other Rangers news, former club target Joey Veerman trash-talks Rangers about PSV’s Champions League defeat