Rangers forward Fashion Sakala ‘has to take’ Saudi offer – Michael Beale
Rangers boss Michael Beale has revealed Fashion Sakala is close to a move to Saudi Arabia after he was offered a deal that he “has to take”, in his latest press conference.
As shared by the official Rangers Twitter account, Beale disclosed that Sakala will leave in the coming days, and goes with the best wishes of everyone at Ibrox.
It was previously reported that the Zambian forward turned down an offer from Saudi Arabia [Scottish Daily Mail, 27 July], but it appears the follow-up offer was one he couldn’t refuse, with it being a very good deal for him and his family.
Speaking to the media before Rangers’ Champions League qualifying round clash with Servette, Beale revealed: “Fashion Jr is close to a move to Saudi – it has been a good offer for him and his family.
“He leaves with well wishes from everyone at Rangers, but it was an offer he has to take.”
Time for the floodgates to open
Much of Rangers’ summer has been focused on incoming players, with the Glasgow club making nine signings so far, but the inevitable exits had to begin sooner or later. Sakala’s move away from the club may open the floodgates as players become surplus to requirements.
There has been a lot of movement at Ibrox, particularly in the forward areas with four incoming faces, which made exits unavoidable for players like Sakala who have now been pushed to the fringes of the squad.
Questions have been asked about Beale’s ability to oversee a large-scale overhaul of the squad, due to his lack of experience and apparent focus on incoming deals, with outgoings left waiting.
It was suggested that pre-season performances from the likes of Sakala and Rabbi Matondo may have thrown a spanner in the works in terms of who may be viewed as potentially useful to Beale’s team, but it seems they will be allowed to leave after all.
In other Rangers news, a journalist has predicted the latest Rangers outgoing to be a mistake.