Fabio Silva picked Rangers over Celtic after Philippe Clement Zoom call, Europa League progression key
Fabio Silva chose to sign for Rangers over Celtic after a Zoom call with Philippe Clement early in negotiations, according to Rangers Review.
Writing on their website (29 December), the news outlet report that the option to sign Silva first came about the week before Christmas and the Gers were competing with their Old Firm rivals as well as a host of European clubs for his signature.
However the light Blues’ progression to the next round of the Europa League was a key factor in his decision too, with the deal materialising quickly after his chat with the boss.
“The Rangers Review understands that Rangers’ place in the Europa League last 16 was a big factor in Silva’s decision to choose a move to Ibrox, alongside the roles of Clement and Koppen in negotiations,” they wrote.
“Sources close to the player suggest that Rangers competed with Celtic for the player’s signature. A Zoom call with Clement early in the process is believed to have been key in swaying the decision.
“It quickly materialised after the conversation with Clement that Rangers was the move Silva wanted, hence the deal being completed before the New Year.”
Perfect
Rangers fans were always well aware of how important it was to progress to the next round of the Europa League, but not many people will have assumed that it would help in a transfer battle.
With Kemar Roofe on his way out seemingly with injuries playing a huge factor in his role going forward, and Danilo ruled out for several months with a knee injury, a new striker was needed.
Silva lit up the Belgian league with Anderlecht last season and then headed to PSV Eindhoven and did okay, but he has proven that with regular game time he knows where the back of the net is.
He suits Clement’s fast-paced style and is a fantastic finisher, so will now compete with Dessers for a regular starting spot in the new year.
Clement has got his man and it’s clear that his vision is being passed on to the players at the club and those he wants to bring in too, so seemingly we’re in the right hands for the near future at least.
In other Rangers news, senior star back in training as Clement issues injury update for Celtic clash.