Abdallah Sima development could be hindered following Fabio Silva Rangers update
Abdallah Sima has been a revelation for Rangers since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion on loan in the summer, leading the club’s scoring list.
The 22-year-old has scored 14 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions, helping the Gers to within five points of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic, lift the Viaplay League Cup, and reach the knockout stages of the Europa League.
However, Rangers have been left sweating over Sima’s possible inclusion in Senegal’s squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
In light of Fabrizio Romano’s most recent “here we go” announcement, Rangers are set to fill the potential void of the Brighton loanee with a loan deal for Wolves’ Fabio Silva, which has now been confirmed.
While the Gers are planning for all eventualities, and covering for any future injuries that they may need to endure, Sima’s development at Ibrox may be hindered by the new addition to the squad.
Despite being originally bought by Wolves as a striker for a club-record fee of £35.6million in 2020, it seems that Silva’s preferred position is on the left wing and if Sima is away with Senegal, Silva may get a run of games and could keep the Brighton man out of the team once he returns.
With Kemar Roofe’s plague of injuries this season, and Danilo also currently sidelined, it would be interesting to see either of the two loanees deployed in the centre-forward role. Sima has already deputised there a few times this season, scoring against Real Betis at Ibrox.
Philippe Clement will have tough decisions to make when he has all attackers at his disposal; Sima or Silva will more than likely be dropped to the bench to make room for more experienced Rangers players.
Sima’s second half of the season is really in the hands of the Wolves man if the deal is to be announced, with the two likely to be battling it out for the same position. This could hinder either of their developments, or both.
In other Rangers news, a reliable journalist says he “would not be surprised” to see a player depart Ibrox next month.