Rangers signing Jonathan Panzo from Nottingham Forest may see Borna Barisic seal permanent exit
Rangers are reportedly keen on signing Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo in the summer as Michael Beale is eyeing defensive reinforcements.
According to the Daily Record [22 March], Gers are watching the 22-year-old’s situation closely and have even scouted the Englishman.
Predominantly a centre-back, Panzo has played as a left-back on numerous occasions at Dijon and Cercle Brugge and is very similar in playing style to Calvin Bassey.
In a scouting report done on him by Total Football Analysis in 2021, they noticed that while he may be a centre-back on paper, his heat map is that of a defensive left-back.
They even went on to say, “Panzo is excellent at defending 1v1 and containing attackers, however, he struggles to defend against attackers when they have space to run into.
“He relies on his reactions and his reading of the game to cut out through balls like the one that was played here before the attacker can run in behind to prevent this area of his game from being exploited, as when the ball is played in behind, he struggles more.”
As Rangers have an ultra-attacking player in James Tavernier on the right, playing someone like Panzo at left-back may not be the worst idea in the world.
His presence at the club will certainly put Borna Barisic’s future in doubt and if he’s signed as a left-back, the Croatian’s exit at the club is sealed.
Having Ridvan Yilmaz who’s already attack-minded, getting the more defensive Panzo could prove to be a masterstroke.
Michael Beale has worked with him back when they were with the Chelsea youth system so he knows a few things about his abilities.
At 30, Barisic isn’t getting any younger and his deal at Ibrox expires in 2024 so this summer will be the last big window to get something for his services.
In other Rangers news, a pundit with insider information at Ibrox has shared one condition that will make Douglas Park leave the club.