Philippe Clement desperate after Robin Propper transfer developments at Rangers
Rangers manager Philippe Clement is “desperate” to add more numbers to his defence with the signing of Robin Propper, according to the Daily Record.
The Record reported on 31 July that following long-serving centre-back Connor Goldson’s departure to Aris Limassol, Clement is in clear need of another right-sided defender and Propper fits the bill.
The 30-year-old Dutchman has emerged as Clement’s preferred replacement for Goldson in central defence and is reportedly set to make his way to Glasgow to complete the transfer imminently [Tubantia, 31 July].
The Gers haven’t wasted time in sounding out an experienced replacement having lost another in Goldson and, despite being FC Twente’s captain, Propper reportedly sees this transfer as a ‘dream’ move for him [De Telegraaf, 31 July].
Rangers set to make defensive upgrade with Robin Propper transfer
The goal of this summer’s massive overhaul under Clement was not only to cut down the size and average age of the squad but also to make improvements for players no longer in the Belgian’s plans.
There’s no doubting that Goldson has given lengthy and overall good service in his six seasons at Ibrox, but the veteran’s form was on the wane, and he departs to a much lower level in the Cypriot league.
In Propper, however, the Gers could pull off a statement signing, plucking the experienced captain from a side who finished third in last season’s Eredivisie and ahead of sides like AZ Alkmaar and Ajax.
While it’s still too early to say if any of Clement’s other signings in this window are definitive upgrades on what he had at his disposal last season – other than loanee Vaclav Cerny – Propper is that to a tee.
With the new campaign on the horizon and a dearth of options at centre-half despite Clinton Nsiala’s arrival, expect Propper – once his move is signed and sealed – to walk straight into this Gers backline.
Who knows, if James Tavernier departs this summer, Clement may even be keen to let Propper retain the armband he’s worn with great success in Enschede.
In other Rangers news, chairman John Bennett gave a brief outline of when the club could return to Ibrox next season.
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