Rangers could complete double Ibrox transfer for Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes, ‘they love it’
Derek Ferguson believes both Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes already “love it” at Rangers and has backed the club to push for permanent deals with both.
Brighton winger Sima was the pick of the summer attacking signings and has 15 Gers goals to his name despite being injured since January, while his replacement from Lens got off to an excellent start before requiring surgery after just seven appearances.
Ferguson is convinced the two loanees want to remain a part of things at Ibrox, having been taken by surprise at the size of the club, and hopes the Light Blues are already at work behind the scenes to keep both.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “Hopefully, it would be great if we could work away in the background and get the two of the boys signed up.
“We needed somebody with that injury, obviously when Sima goes away on international duty and picks up that hamstring injury, we were crying out for a little bit more width in the team.
“The manager brought in Cortes and for that short period he was excellent.
“Sima’s on his way back and seems to enjoy the club, as you can tell with Cortes, you kind of get a flavour from when they come to the club, not just with their performances on the park but sometimes when I see them getting interviewed by the radio, the TV and sometimes the paper guys.
“They seem happy, they love it. I think maybe Rangers Football Club takes them by surprise how big a club it is and they just want to be part of it.
“So if a deal could be done to get the two of them signed up I just think that would excite the fans.”
Can Rangers afford the Brighton and Lens wingers?
Cortes, 20, would surely be the cheaper of the two coming from Ligue 1, especially given the amount of money Brighton have managed to get out of Chelsea in the transfer market above all.
But the players’ intentions could have some bearing on the situation, and with Sima having still yet to make an appearance for the Seagulls in three seasons out on loan they would perhaps be open to a fourth if he pushed for it, having already indicated he would like to stay.
But it might be a stretch for Philippe Clement to be able to retain both on permanent deals, unless Rangers bring in a major profit with an outgoing deal this summer, especially if the likes of Lawrence Shankland might yet be on the cards as well.
In other Rangers news, alarm bells are ringing as the Gers line up a more affordable signing.
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