Rangers could regret Fashion Sakala exit after Michael Beale quotes emerge
Rangers boss Michael Beale has revealed the close relationship he shares with Fashion Sakala and says he was counting on him this season after the forward finalised a move to Saudi Arabia.
Sakala’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al Fayha was confirmed via the club’s official Twitter account on 8 August, the same day Beale had spoken to media ahead of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier, where the boss revealed his reluctance to see him leave.
The Rangers forward made the switch to the Saudi Pro League for a reported £3million, as the deal being offered was a very good one for him and his family, despite his relationships at the Glasgow club.
Speaking to media ahead of Rangers’ clash against Servette, Beale revealed: “Fashion Sakala is very close to moving to a team in Saudi. He was a player I was counting on, a boy I had a really close relationship with, maybe even stronger than with anyone else in the group.
“He’s done very well for us and the strength of the relationship was probably important because the offer for him and his family I felt was a very good one. We spoke at length about it and he leaves with everyone’s well wishes.
“He’ll always be invited back to Rangers but financially that was an offer for Fashion and his family that he should have taken and he has done now.”
Beale’s comments show a reluctance to see the Zambian forward leave, particularly from a personal perspective but also from a footballing angle. The claim that he was relying on the forward this season suggests Sakala may have played more of a role in the squad than was expected.
Following the nine new arrivals at Ibrox this summer, four of which are forwards with whom Sakala would be competing, many expected the Zambian to make way, but Beale’s reluctance suggests the club could regret seeing him go.
When a deal works for the player, arguably more than it does for the club, it can be difficult not to let them go. The boss’ close relationship with the player and his family appears to be the deciding factor in letting him leave.
Rangers are still well-stocked in the forward department, so there is cover where Sakala’s absence leaves a hole, and more forwards could yet leave Ibrox with Rabbi Matondo expected to follow his ex-teammate out of the door.
In other Rangers news, a Servette coach has revealed Ibrox “chills” ahead of upcoming clash.