Rangers could now lead Jonathan Panzo race as Michael Beale transfer talks emerge
Michael Beale has personally spoken to Jonathan Panzo to try and seal his next Ibrox transfer and that could well mean Rangers lead the race for his signature.
Rangers have operated impressively and effectively in the market already this summer so far, announcing Sam Lammers as the latest to join the Ibrox revolution – completing their fourth signing of the summer after Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland and Dujon Sterling joined on free transfers.
Before the end of last campaign, Beale strongly admitted that he will look to prioritise a centre-back signing this summer, with the likes of Arsenal’s Auston Trusty, Leeds United’s Charlie Cresswell and Panzo three names that have emerged as options to strengthen his defensive weaponry.
Football Scotland [29 May] reported that the Light Blues manager retains a strong interest in Panzo, who’s currently plying his trade at Nottingham Forest, with the Gers, not the only names battling for his signature at present.
However, despite that fact, Beale has ensured his team are at the front of queue for the talented defender.
According to online outlet The 4th Official, writing on their official Patreon page [24 June], Beale has sold his Rangers vision to the Nottingham Forest defender who is now interested in the move to Ibrox.
However, nothing is done as of yet with the player still in conversations with other clubs.
“Having spoken with several people who are close to this transfer over the last couple of days, it is clear that it is nowhere near done right now.
“Beale has personally spoken with the defender a few times recently in order to sell Panzo on the project and how he will be an integral part of Rangers.
“While Panzo is definitely interested in coming to Rangers, there are other clubs he is still talking with at the moment.”
For any new potential acquisition, it’s certainly not uncommon to hear managers personally involve themselves in talks to seal the transfer but given Panzo’s reported desire for Ibrox, Beale may well have swayed his decision with his director-like approach.
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.
Panzo is arguably the man to provide a swift impact with Rangers desperately needing centre-back reinforcements, and given his coming-of-age campaign at Coventry City this season, he is certainly ready for the step up the footballing ladder.
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. A potential deal Beale has already poured himself into.
In other Rangers news, a fresh Saturday twist has emerged on the pursuit of a new striker transfer at Ibrox