Anthony Onifade

Mon 29 May 2023 20:05, UK

Michael Beale has revealed he is looking to strengthen his options at centre-back this summer and he could very well fulfil that Rangers promise by signing one Premier League defender.

Beale is expected to be very busy in the summer transfer window, with the Gers linked with a long list of players over the coming months.

The Scottish Sun reported on 12 May that Rangers have all but completed deals for Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland on free transfers this summer and are also said to be close to signing Chelsea youngster Dujon Sterling also.

And speaking on 21 May via [Rangers official Twitter page], Beale provided promising news for the Gers fans, confirming he is looking to add to his options at centre-back – a key area to strengthen.

He said: “John Souttar has been great, we have discussed the idea of three at the back.

“We will add to this area in the summer to give us even more competition for places.”

Rangers have looked desperately depleted in that particular area all season, especially when key man Conor Goldson hasn’t featured due to injury.

John Souttar, Ben Davies and Leon King remain Beale’s options right now, and there are doubts about their ability to fully replace Goldson in the long term.

And according to a new report shared on 29 May, Rangers have already identified an ideal solution at centre-back.

Football Scotland [29 May] reveal the Light Blues manager retains a strong interest in Panzo, who’s currently plying his trade at Nottingham Forest.

The left-back was loaned out for the 2022/23 campaign to Coventry City enjoying a tremendous campaign, all while guiding them to the play-off final which they lost to Luton Town on Saturday [27 May].

The 22-year-old is set to return to his parent club at the City Ground, but could well be on the move to find a new lease of life and Rangers certainly represents the perfect platform to fully establish himself as a top defender.

Goldson simply can’t play throughout a 40+ game season any longer which forces Beale to start seeking out long-term replacements for next season, locating a player capable of immediately coming in and providing a swift impact.

Panzo is arguably that man to provide a swift impact, given his coming-of-age campaign at the Sky Blues this season.

Total Football Analysis [2021] describes him as “excellent at defending 1v1 and containing attackers” which is evidenced by his stats this season.

As per WhoScored, in 31 Championship outings, the 22-year-old averaged a tremendous 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 0.5 blocks and a whopping 3.8 clearances per game, showcasing his front-foot and dominant defensive qualities.

With Beale also looking at a centre-back capable of playing his way out of defence to such assured and composed effect, the underlying stats reveal Panzo as a very capable addition.

As per FBRef, he ranks in the 83rd percentile of defenders in Europe’s top eight leagues for progressive passes per 90 minutes, 86th percentile for progressive carries per 90 and the 80th percentile for passes into the final third, again highlighting why he was amongst the best in the league for progressive passing and his abilities on the ball.

Rangers will need all the quality they can acquire for next season, and in Panzo, they could well possess a defender capable of leading them past their Old Firm rivals Celtic. This is a deal Beale must get done.

In other Rangers news, English clubs have been left in the dust after a player agreement is confirmed at Ibrox.