Rangers: Door open for Philippe Clement to sign Kai Wagner, free transfer to Ibrox now major option
The door is now open for Rangers manager Philippe Clement to sign Kai Wagner on a free transfer after a development has emerged.
The Daily Record reported on its website on 28 December that the Gers have been scouting the German left-back over the past few weeks as they look to add to their defensive ranks in the January transfer window.
The 26-year-old’s contract with MLS side Philadelphia Union expired overnight on 31 December, making him available for a free transfer as of 1 January.
Clement is believed to be keen to bring in a new left-back as Borna Barisic’s deal is up at the end of the campaign and Ridvan Yilmaz has failed to nail down a regular starting spot.
The Gers boss has been rotating between the two defenders since he arrived at Ibrox in October, suggesting neither player has impressed him too much.
That is where Wagner could potentially be an excellent option on the back of his performances since joining Philadelphia in 2019 from Wurzburger Kickers.
The German has registered seven goals and 32 assists in his 170 appearances for the American outfit as he became the first outfield Union player to be selected for consecutive All-Star games.
He was, however, suspended last year for violating the MLS’ anti-discrimination policy after being accused of making a racist comment.
But with his deal now up, the defender’s four-stint in Philly looks to be coming to an end, with Clement deliberating over whether or not to offer him a contract.
The Belgian has already made his intentions clear for the window after the signing of Fabio Silva was announced from Wolves on 28 December.
The 21-year-old Portuguese forward has joined the Gers on loan until the end of the season as he looks to earn more first-team opportunities after struggling for minutes with the Premier League side.
Following the Light Blues’ 2-1 defeat to Celtic on Saturday (30 December), Clement will probably want to strengthen in a couple more areas throughout the window to put his side in the best position to fight for the SPFL title this season.
Whether or not Wagner will be one of those additions is anyone’s guess, but his personal situation should become clearer over the next few days now that his contract has expired.
In other Rangers news, one player is surely finished at Ibrox after a signing has already been confirmed.