Rangers transfer news: Fashion Sakala may be lone survivor amid Ibrox attack exodus as Michael Beale chases ‘marquee signings’
Fashion Sakala has been tipped to be the only wide forward left at Rangers this summer amid an attacking exodus from Ibrox, by Tam McManus.
It has already been announced by the club that Ryan Kent is leaving at the expiry of his contract, while Scott Wright has been linked to Preston North End, but amid rumours of more to go the pundit believes Michael Beale will need to sign as many as three wingers.
And, with Alfredo Morelos equally confirmed to be leaving, and Antonio Colak’s future unclear, McManus has tipped two strikers to be needed as well, but believes that is the position where the money needs to be spent this summer.
Speaking about the rebuild on PLZ Soccer McManus said (26 May, 43m 20s): “They need to sign one or two marquee signings where the fans will [think], ‘Right, we mean business this season.’
“You cannae fill the team full of frees. It’s ok saying [Todd] Cantwell’s done well, but not every free transfer’s going to hit like Cantwell appears to be at the minute.
“So [Beale] needs a big-name striker, a big-money striker, £3million or £4million. And he needs wide men. Fashion Sakala’s probably the only one there who’ll maybe be there next season. There’s rumours of other players leaving as well.
“So in terms of him I think they’re going to need one or two strikers, and maybe two or three wide men.”
Last man standing
Kent staying on affordable terms or leaving before now for a decent transfer fee would have been preferable but that ship has long-sailed.
Wright remains peripheral so if there is an offer for him it would probably make sense for him to go. But the likes of Rabbi Matondo only arrived last summer, and Ianis Hagi has been out for the best part of a year between last season and this with injury.
However, unless the manager is confident either will be regulars in his team in the new campaign either are surely available, as almost everyone will be during the window.
There would be no real benefit in letting go of everyone if they are only to be replaced by stop-gaps on cheap deals, because it is true that not all such signings are going to have as much of a return as Cantwell is currently showing.
Striker is arguably going to be the make or break area for the transfer window, next season, and potentially even Beale’s Rangers job, as a 20-plus goalscorer can be the difference between a title race and dropped points in draws.
Morelos is on his way, Colak may follow, and Kemar Roofe can hardly stay fit, so it is crucial that somebody who can shoulder the load is brought in, and the biggest money tends to go on attacking areas so it probably won’t be cheap.
If Beale has to scrimp on frees and loans elsewhere to save up for a man goal threat then it may be worth it, as long as he finds the right one.
In other Rangers news, one Ibrox ace is expected to react to new arrivals after admitting he wants to move to an English team.