Gustavo Puerta update at Rangers as Nils Koppen scours globe for new transfers
Rangers have not made any contact with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for midfielder Gustavo Puerta during the current transfer window, according to Football Scotland.
Mark Hendry reported on Tuesday [13 August] that no bids have been launched by the Gers for the Colombian, who turned out 10 times in Xabi Alonso’s side’s historic Bundesliga triumph last season.
It was claimed on Monday [12 August] by Danish publication Tipsbladet that an offer had already been tabled by the club for Puerta, for whom Leverkusen have received interest.
Clement has now tasked recruitment chief Nils Koppen with a global scouting mission as the Gers’ interest in Puerta subsides for the time being.
Rangers must sign experience
Whilst Puerta is clearly an exciting prospect, the fact of the matter is that Rangers need more experience in their ranks of fighting on all fronts throughout the season.
A campaign playing for the Gers is physically and mentally demanding, with a natural tendency to progress far in multiple competitions and navigate the European schedule.
Every player who has departed Ibrox permanently this summer has been aged 26 or older, whilst five of the club’s signings in this window have been 22 or younger – and whilst replacing experience with youth can bode well long-term, Rangers is one club where if you lag behind, time is not on your side.
With stiff competition from England and wider Europe for Puerta – who has captained Colombia’s Under-20 side – it should be positive news for Light Blues supporters that Clement has quickly instructed Koppen to bolster the club’s list of targets.
With two-and-a-half weeks remaining of the window, the Gers will benefit from a settled squad after the deadline but, for now, must get the rest of their recruitment spot on in order to give Celtic a run for their money in the coming months.
In other Rangers news, Andy Halliday has made this “unbelievable” comment on Jack Butland.
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