Daniel Feliciano

Mon 26 June 2023 12:10, UK

Michael Beale has been dealt with another transfer blow during his bid to bolster the Rangers squad as they look set to miss out on Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Rangers have been linked with a move for the versatile Nigerian, with reports in Turkey [Sporx, 8 June] suggesting that the club even made a £9m bid for him earlier in the window.

However that bid was rejected with Fenerbahce holding out for more money, and there has been little talk of the club returning ever since.

But it’s quite clear that the club haven’t finished their business for the summer, and a return could be possible.

However it now seems as though that could be in vein, as reports in Turkey [Posta, 25 June] claim that “while the team name has not been revealed yet, Osayi Samuel is expected to be transferred to England in a few weeks.”

The likes of Leeds United and Bournemouth were linked with a move also and it seems likely that one of those clubs will be his destination.

But as Rangers continue to struggle to seal a deal for Cyriel Dessers up front plus Auston Trusty and Jonathan Panzo in defence, this is just the latest in a series of blows for Beale.

Rangers have successfully sealed four deals already this summer with Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell signing pre-contract agreements while Sam Lammers has put pen to paper on a deal following a £3.5m agreement with Atalanta.

Beale claimed he wanted as many as a dozen new players, with several players leaving on a free transfer and needing to be replaced.

There is plenty of time for transfers to be completed and Beale should feel confidence with the way business has been completed up to this point, but this is bad news for this deal in particular.

Beale and Rangers need to move on immediately and focus on the next target on the list for the position, and put that £9m to better use.

In other Rangers news, Beale will sanction a first-team exit with Euro clubs circling for a transfer.