Michael Beale and Steven Gerrard react as fresh Rangers exit news emerges on Monday
Steven Gerrard and Michael Beale have liked departing Rangers player Fashion Sakala’s farewell Instagram post.
Sakala announced his departure from Ibrox on the social media platform (7 August) in a heartfelt thank you to all teammates, backroom staff and the “cherished” Rangers fans, with the Scottish Mail linking (4 August) him with a £3million move to the Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha.
His now former managers have acknowledged his time at the club through their likes on his post, with his move looking more and more certain after Beale left him out of the Gers’ Champions League squad [4 August, Rangers Review].
Farewell
Sakala ended his Rangers career on a high, scoring 12 goals last season. While his future seems to have been set for some time, Rangers fans will miss the impact he had on the squad.
When he was on top form, he was dangerous against any opposition but his inconsistency saw him slip down the pecking order at Rangers. Now after a huge haul of attacking talent, the writing was on the wall for Sakala’s Ibrox future.
Sakala joins the growing list of Rangers departures including Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Antonio Colak in what feels like the end of an era in Glasgow. Sakala clearly valued his time at the club and both his former managers clearly appreciate what he brought during his time.
The Zambian international was brought to the club on a free transfer at the start of Steven Gerrard’s third season in charge. He would then become a mainstay after Beale’s arrival making an appearance in every league game where he was fit.
His move to Saudi Arabia benefits Rangers who will get a nice £3million to help ease their mass spending this summer, but he will be remembered fondly at the club.
He is clearly remembered well by his former Rangers colleagues as he enters a new stage in his career.
In other Rangers news, Belgian and English sides are lining up to secure an Ibrox youngster on loan this summer.