Chris Jack identifies ‘non-negotiable’ Rangers transfer as January priorities emerge
Chris Jack has suggested that it is “non-negotiable” that Rangers must sign a new striker as the Light Blues’ January transfer window priorities emerge.
Philippe Clement has already looked to strengthen his frontline with the signing of Fabio Silva on loan from Wolves for the second half of the campaign, as Danilo faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
However, Rangers Review journalist Jack believes that should only be the start of the Gers’ transfer business, suggesting that Clement must sign another striker to have any hope of lifting the Scottish Premiership this season.
Writing for the Rangers Review (1 January) he said: “January gives Rangers a chance to regroup as well as strengthen. The walking wounded must be fit and firing as a matter of urgency, but it will be the arrivals rather than the returns that shape Rangers’ aspirations and that will determine Clement’s fate this season.
“The signing of Fabio Silva on loan is an early sign of intent as Clement addresses a key weakness within his side and his squad. Another striker is non-negotiable, while a move for a right-sided forward is also a priority.
“That would perhaps get Rangers through and get them over the line but further work – at centre-back, left-back and in midfield – will need to be undertaken ahead of Clement’s first full term next time out.”
Non-negotiable
The signing of Silva is a start for Rangers as they look to address their striker problem but it is nothing more than that as the Portuguese forward has never been a particularly prolific goal scorer at any point of his playing career.
Rangers’ issue isn’t energy or workrate at the top of the pitch. It’s the lack of a consistent finisher to take the chances that come their way and there was no clearer example of that than the opportunity spurned by Cyriel Dessers during the Old Firm derby.
Clement has plenty of players that can run the channels and attempt to hold the ball up, but the one thing he’s missing is a 20-goal-a-season striker and without one of those, it is hard to see how the Gers will lift the Scottish Premiership title this year.
Therefore, Jack is right to suggest that the signing of a new striker is now “non-negotiable” at Ibrox and it must be the top priority. Adding that sort of finisher to Clement’s squad could genuinely change the course of the Premiership title race.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues are targeting a permanent move for Abdallah Sima after a severe update at Brighton