Rangers transfer news as conditions to seal Jonathan Panzo deal known at Ibrox
Rangers are still in the market for a centre-back this summer and are aware of the conditions to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo, according to Football Scotland.
The report (10 July) states that while Rangers are aware of what it takes to sign the former on-loan Coventry defender, the Light Blues are yet to push for him ahead of the new campaign.
Michael Beale is on the lookout for another centre-back this summer, even after the signing of Ibrox icon Leon Balogun, as part of his extensive rebuild, after his squad was hit by repeated injury issues at the position last season.
Online outlet The 4th Official, writing on their official Patreon page on 24 June reported that Beale sold his Rangers vision to the Nottingham Forest defender who is interested in the move to Ibrox, but sources close to the parties believe that a transfer is not moving any closer.
Panzo is a no-brainer
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.
However, this latest development comes as some source of frustration for the club fans, especially with the knowledge that Rangers desperately need a new centre-back through the door this summer, even after the Balogun signing.
John Souttar and Connor Goldson are all top defenders on their day, but they are unreliable in terms of durability and availability, while Balogun is well in his 30s and won’t be able to play 30-plus games.
Beale needs a defender capable of coming in immediately and playing every week while becoming an assured presence at the heart of the defence, Panzo is certainly that man given his truly gifted abilities on and off the ball.
As per FBRef, Panzo 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 Championship last season for progressive passing and his abilities on the ball.
Imagine what he could become in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers are certainly wasting time on this no-brainer acquisition.
In other Rangers news, the club are set for a seven-figre windfall after a Premier League bid went in.