Rangers: Barry Ferguson and Stephen McGinn in agreement over £7m+ ‘gamble’ for Abdallah Sima
Barry Ferguson and Stephen McGinn have agreed that Rangers are unlikely to pay Brighton the fee required to bring Abdallah Sima to Ibrox permanently.
The Senegalese forward scored his ninth goal of the Scottish Premiership season, his 13th in Rangers colours in the Gers’ win over Dundee, leading to plenty of conversation over whether or not the Gers could secure his services beyond the end of the campaign.
There is no buy option in the current loan deal for the 22-year-old and both Ferguson and McGinn are doubtful that Philippe Clement’s side will be willing to pay the £7million-plus fee to bring him to Glasgow permanently next summer.
Speaking on The Go Radio Football Show (11 December, 44:30) Ferguson said: “I don’t think Rangers can go to that, if I’m being honest with you. It might be a case of going back to Brighton and saying listen can we take him back on loan for a season.”
McGinn agreed saying: “Brighton paid £7million for him and part of the thinking would have been get him up to Rangers and maybe look to recoup our money. They’re the type of club, they do good business, one of the best-run clubs in England.
“I don’t think they’re going to sell him for a penny less than £7million so it’s probably the debate, do you spend a big chunk of your budget on Sima?”
Ferguson replied: “That’s the gamble you take, he’s come up, impressed over the last couple of months and I’m sure there’ll be a few teams looking at him, but I have to be honest he’s impressed me.”
Have to try
Rangers are unlikely to spend such a big fee on one forward next summer, especially considering the amount of money spent, particularly on the forward line at Ibrox last summer, but they have to try and strike some sort of deal with Brighton.
When compared to the likes of Sam Lammers, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and the rest of Michael Beale’s summer signings at Ibrox, the 22-year-old has been the most successful and has managed to provide the goals expected of a marquee forward signing.
If the fee required is upwards of £7million, it will be a hard deal to complete, but Rangers cannot allow the opportunity to add some genuine quality side to pass them by, especially when it is right under their nose.
Ferguson might be right to suggest another loan next season could be the perfect solution for all parties, but that will only mean that the Gers delay the same conversation for another year. Ultimately they’ll still have a £7 million decision to make, just 12 months later than initially planned.
In other Rangers news, Dermot Gallagher has reacted to the controversial calls made during the Gers win over Dundee