Philippe Clement shares why new Rangers signing Fabio Silva turned down more money elsewhere
Philippe Clement has revealed he had “a lot of talks” with new signing Fabio Silva before the forward joined Rangers.
Speaking in his post-match interview following his side’s 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock on Tuesday (2 January, via the Daily Record), the Gers boss said he spoke to the 21-year-old about several positions where he could play at Ibrox.
He added that the Portuguese forward could have gone to other clubs where “much more money” was on offer, but that he joined the Light Blues because he is “really ambitious” and wants to win trophies.
“First I think it’s always great if a player does good things in training – and he did yesterday – to give him minutes at Ibrox,” said Clement. “That’s a magical place to play the first time and he had to feel it also.
“Then you go also with that feeling into this break. It’s different to when you are on the bench all the time. He understands the story because we had a lot of talks before he came about football, about how I see players playing.
“We spoke about several positions – not only one – where he can play. And how I see that. He could have gone to places where he could earn much more money, but he came for the football story and for the tradition of the club also and to win trophies because he is somebody who is really ambitious.”
Right character
This is exactly the type of character Clement would want to add to his Rangers squad, someone who genuinely wants to play for the club and is up for the fight.
Silva will feel like he probably has a lot to prove after his time at Wolves hasn’t worked out quite how he would’ve liked following his £35million move from Porto in 2020.
But he did show during his time out on loan at Anderlecht and PSV last season that he does have what it takes to forge a successful career for himself, having scored 16 goals throughout the campaign.
After making his debut off the bench in the victory over Kilmarnock, the Portuguese will be desperate to earn his first start as he looks to compete with fellow forward Cyriel Dessers to lead the line.
The striker could prove to be a real asset for the Gers if he can find his shooting boots as Clement looks to help them challenge for more silverware this season.
In other Rangers news, one player is surely finished at Ibrox after a signing has already been confirmed.