Anthony Onifade

Thu 27 July 2023 18:10, UK

Rangers forward Fashion Sakala has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer from a Saudi Arabian club handing Michael Beale a decisive boost ahead of the new season.

The Scottish Daily Mail reported on their back page on 27 July that the 26-year-old has turned down the offer in favour of remaining at Ibrox, despite the arrival of a number of forward players already this summer, with another expected through the door soon.

The 4th Official suggested in a 13 July post on Patreon that “discussions were well underway” for a £4million exit to the Middle East off the back of Antonio Colak’s sale but in another development sources close to the 26-year-old denied that is the case.

Speaking on the Rangers Review morning briefing on Monday (17 July, 9m) journalist Derek Clark said: “Just on Sakala, of course, he was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last week. A source close to him did tell me it was just rumour and there was nothing concrete with regards to Fashion.”

With the Gers incredibly busy in the window already, the Scottish Sun reported on 9 July that Beale has to sell three big-name players this summer if he is to further fund his Ibrox revolution this summer, with chairman John Bennett clearly putting his foot down to ensure the Gers manage to balance the books financially.

Rangers have certainly struggled to offload a number of their bit-part stars including Glen Kamara and Rabbi Matondo, with young goalkeeper Robbie McCrorie also now expected to depart too in a potential £500,000 deal (Chris Jack, 13 July).

However, allowing a player of Sakala’s huge importance and attacking could have been incredibly costly to their Scottish Premiership title hopes, given the tremendous season he enjoyed under Beale’s tutelage last term.

Sakala was in spell-binding form throughout last campaign, finishing the season with a stunning 12 goals and seven assists and if Rangers are to challenge on all fronts next season, Beale will need more attacking components capable of reaching double figures in goals and assists.

The Gers have already completed deals for the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Abdallah Sima and Sam Lammers and could yet welcome Feyenoord striker Danilo in the coming days, players Sakala could well form some “magic” partnerships with this coming season.

Such additions have been a welcome sight for the Gers faithful but Rangers will need some familiarity in attack and after Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos’ departure, the Gers can ill-afford to lose another crucial member who knows Beale’s system right down to a tee.

His direct running, pace, unpredictability in the final third and ability to commit defenders in order to create space for himself and his teammates is truly something special, and simply cannot be taken for granted at Rangers.

Sakala can win points on his own and should prove the telling difference in Rangers’ pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title, and his decision to remain at Ibrox for the forthcoming campaign means Beale is well-equipped to not only maintain a healthy battle with Celtic but potentially beat them for major honours next season.

A stunning boost for Beale.

In other Rangers news, a new signing is awaiting a work visa before flying to Glasgow.