Rangers on red alert for Gijs Smal as FC Twente drop official announcement
With just a handful of matches in the Scottish Premiership remaining for Rangers, the summer transfer window has emerged on the horizon, and the rumours have begun to swirl.
Philippe Clement is already having to deal with a potential summer exit, with Borna Barisic the subject of a transfer bid from Trabzonspor ahead of the window. [Football Scotland]
Though the deal has not been completed yet, the Gers could be without a full-back just days into the summer transfer window, leaving just Ridvan Yilmaz at left-back, who could also leave Ibrox.
Gijs Smal offers Philippe Clement easy replacement at Rangers
FC Twente’s Gijs Smal is a player very well known to the Ibrox faithful due to the January transfer window after the club approached the player with a move to Rangers. [Voetbal International]
Clearly, the transfer never materialised, with the 26-year-old defender staying in the Netherlands with FC Twente, starting 16 of their 26 league matches this season.
Though the Gers missed out on Smal, Rangers have another chance to sign him this summer, following an announcement from the Dutch club last week.
The official club website reported [23 March] that Smal is one of three players out of contract at the end of the season and he indicated that he will not sign an extension ahead of the summer.
Considering the news surrounding current full-back Barisic, and the number of reports during January suggesting that Yilmaz was inches away from a move to Galatasaray, Rangers – you assume – must be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.
Although he has slipped down the pecking order this season, and showing far-from-ideal form, Clement will be desperate to add an attacking full-back to his squad and Smal is the perfect solution.
As he will be available on a free transfer, it seems like a no-brainer for the Gers. However, they will need to be quick as Old Firm rivals Celtic may also take another look at the player.
Smal has proven his ability already, which inspired the original interest of Rangers. Last season, he recorded two goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie, making many clubs sit up and take notice.
In other Rangers news, European league giants have started their summer transfer activity and have launched a bid for a first-team Gers player with an update shared on his decision.
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