Brighton pull rank on Rangers as Abdallah Sima and Philippe Clement both wanted Ibrox return
Brighton have pulled rank on Rangers by doing a deal with Brest for Abdallah Sima ahead of the deadline, says Derek Ferguson.
Philippe Clement admitted he wanted to bring the Senegalese forward back to Ibrox this season but that it was not possible to afford him earlier in the transfer window [Rangers Review, 15 July].
The Belgian had been in contact with the attacker and had hoped a deal might be possible later in the summer, but he has now completed a confirmed loan move to Ligue 1 instead which does not have an option to buy included [Foot Mercato, 20 August].
Ferguson is disappointed that a Rangers return hasn't been possible but believes it is a matter of Brighton looking to build up his profile in a bigger market.
He spoke exclusively to Ibrox News and said: "Yeah but I think that's Brighton pulling rank. Sima would have loved to have been back up in Scotland playing with Rangers.
"The fans love him. I really like him myself. In the time that he's played he's scored goals, he's produced.
"But Brighton have got a player that they probably want to move on and they want to get a bit of money for.
"So he's went to probably a better league, well it is a better league, over there. He's going to be playing Champions League football. They've got to look after their own interests.
"Sima, would he have liked to have been up here? Yep. Would the manager have loved to have had him at Rangers? Of course. He's spoken really highly of him.
"But I think that's just Brighton pulling rank and wanting to get the best buck that they can for a player whose going into the last year of his contract [when he returns] as well so they need to try and get a bit of money for him."
Rangers miss out on Brighton ace after Brest exit confirmed
It isn't wishful thinking to assume Sima would have chosen to return to Glasgow when he indicated as much on more than one occasion during his 16-goal season with the Light Blues.
The 23-year-old appears to have still had an eye on coming back right up until his France switch was confirmed as he then posted a message on his Instagram (23 August) paying tribute to the fans and his manager at Ibrox.
Had he not expected to return the post would likely have come when his initial loan ended months ago.
So the confirmed Brest deal will come as a disappointment to both Sima and Clement, especially with Oscar Cortes picking up an injury so soon after replacing him for a second time.
For more Rangers news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.