Rangers: Philippe Clement makes approach to sign Brighton midfielder Steven Alzate as next Ibrox arrival
Rangers are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Steven Alzate as the end of his contract looms large, according to DHNet.
The Belgian news site reported [3 January] that Brighton are attempting to sell the 25-year-old Colombian before his contract runs out at the end of the season, and Philippe Clement and Rangers have made enquiries about the midfielder.
It is understood that Brighton have an option to extend his contract by a year, an option that the Seagulls will not take and would prefer to offload the player for a fee before his contract runs out and he leaves on a free transfer.
An interesting solution in midfield
Having signed for Brighton from Leyton Orient in 2017, it looked to be another success story at the club for a rather unknown player. He went on to make 51 appearances between August 2019 and September 2022 but has since failed to regain a place under Roberto de Zerbi.
Alzate is currently experiencing his second loan spell at Standard Liege, but having suffered a tear of the anterior talofibular ligament in his left ankle, he has returned to England to receive treatment. His loan is set to expire at the end of the season but Brighton could recall him early in order to sell the player.
With four goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for the Belgian side, Alzate’s talent is clear to see and Clement will have kept tabs on his Belgian counterpart. Once recovered from this devastating injury, the midfielder could be the perfect fit in the Gers’ injury-hit squad.
Clement has been without Ryan Jack and Nico Raskin for the majority of his tenure, with not so much confidence in Jose Cifuentes. Dujon Sterling, full-back by trade, has been deputising in the position instead.
The manager has been very open about bringing his own transfers after Michael Beale’s spending spree left him with a bunch of disjointed players while attempting to stamp his style of football. And Alzate could be one of the first, following the loan of Fabio Silva from Wolves.
If the move were not to happen, Brighton would feel obliged to extend the player’s contract by one year and sell him in the summer instead, which could also be an option for Rangers amid a lack of funds.
In other Rangers news, Nils Koppen sent a January message to Rangers upon his arrival.