Stevie Clifford: Philippe Clement ‘undoubtedly’ wants Rangers to sign winger in January
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is eager to sign at least one new winger in the January transfer window, according to Stevie Clifford.
Clement has made a good start to life at Ibrox since replacing Michael Beale last month, having won three and drawn one of his first four matches.
The Belgian has favoured a 4-2-3-1 system so far, meaning two players out wide, and Clifford believes that is an area that needs bolstering.
Asked on the Rangers Review podcast [3 November, 20m 58s] which position Clement is looking to strengthen, the Four Lads Had A Dream contributor said: “Wingers”.
Clifford added: “The way he wants to play, he will undoubtedly, in my mind, be looking at width as being the priority. After that, he’ll be looking for one on the other side.”
Options
Clement may have made a positive start as Rangers manager, but there is no doubt he will want to bring in some of his own players.
January is the earliest chance to do so, but it remains to be seen if any money will be made available for him.
It must be remembered that the Gers spent around £15million in the summer on new recruits, many of whom are still finding their feet.
The most positive aspect of the 5-0 midweek win at Dundee was seeing Danilo, Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers all register in a huge boost for their morale.
Abdallah Sima and Scott Wright started in the wide positions in that match, while Ross McCausland was brought on from the substitutes’ bench.
Add in a returning Rabbi Matondo – arguably Rangers’ best performer in the first couple of months of the season – and there are certainly options in that area.
Whether or not Clement rates them will become clear in the coming weeks, though, and it may well be that the club are already working on targets behind the scenes.
In other Rangers news, next week’s opponents Sparta Prague are reportedly facing some “big problems” ahead of their trip to Glasgow.