Pair of ‘obvious recruits’ for Rangers transfer window as Philippe Clement delivers ‘noticeable’ behind-scenes boost – Chris Jack
A right-sided forward and a striker are the two “obvious recruits” that Philippe Clement will want at Rangers in the January transfer window, according to Chris Jack.
The journalist wrote in his assessment of the new manager’s start at Ibrox for Rangers Review on 15 November that the Belgian needs a new goalscorer and a technically-gifted and quick attacker above all, despite the uplift he has already brought about.
Clement, 49, has been credited with delivering a “noticeable” improvement to the mood around Auchenhowie since being named as the replacement for Michael Beale, as well as lifting the squad’s fitness as various players have mentioned, and fixing the disillusionment felt by the majority of the supporters.
Michael Beale signed nine players in the summer, including four attackers, but the hit-and-miss success rate has left Clement likely to need further new additions.
Job done so far
Clement has answered as many questions as he probably could have done so far but the real judgements won’t start to be made until he has contested the Viaplay Cup final and then gone to Parkhead for his first meeting with Celtic next month.
In the short term he has improved the atmosphere internally and externally, while drastically improving results on the pitch.
One surely influences the other, and vice versa, so as long as he can maintain the level he has reached so far that the virtuous cycle should continue.
The returning form of players such as John Lundstram and developments from Abdallah Sima and Danilo, coupled with the likes of Ross McCausland and Leon Balogun coming into the side to great effect, shows that Clement is doing a better job than Beale was with the same squad.
But, even allowing for a couple of flashes from Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, there are clear flaws in this group of players after the summer overhaul.
If there is money available the new manager could certainly use it to address some of the key questions among his playing staff that might prove the difference come the end of the season.
In other Rangers news, one in-demand first-team reserve is expected to fetch “good money” to help fund the January window.