Josh Doig issues Rangers transfer admission in tell-all interview
Josh Doig admits that he was flattered by reports linking him with a move to Rangers in the summer.
The Sassuolo left-back has also waxed lyrical over the atmosphere at Ibrox and stated that the rivalry with Celtic is the biggest.
However, he admits that he wanted the opportunity to play abroad and appears to be enjoying his time in Italy.
He told Rangers News: “Was (Rangers speculation) flattering? 100%. They’re massive teams obviously. Growing up, Rangers and Celtic, it’s the two biggest teams you could play for in Scotland. But for me, I feel like I’ve just got out of Scotland. I feel like I’m just newly away from all that.
“So even if I went back there, I’d be back in my house, be back with mum and dad. I’ve just got out and I’m broadening my horizons.
“Obviously I’m not saying that going to Rangers or Celtic would be a bad thing, but it’s just like I’ve got away from it. I just want to experience different places and I feel like football lets you do that.
“Celtic and Rangers, still for myself, it’s, ‘Wow’. Playing at Celtic Park or Ibrox is unbelievable, it’ll be hard to match their atmosphere. And the rivalry with Celtic and Rangers, Hearts and Hibs. For me, because I grew up there, there’s nothing bigger than that.
“You can’t get bigger than that, the feeling of it because, like I said, it’s so personal as well there’s family involved.
“They are such big teams but for me I saw (Aaron) Hickey move, I just felt like that would be myself because I’m an open guy. I like new cultures, new things. Playing abroad always tickled my fancy a bit.”
Rangers are unlikely to pursue Josh Doig’s services in the near future
Gers might not see an immediate need for Doig due to their current squad composition, notably with the presence of Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz, who provide depth and competition at left-back.
Moreover, the 22-year-old’s comments suggest he’s currently enjoying his stint abroad and is not eager to return to Scotland just yet, valuing the cultural experience and the challenge of playing in a different league.
His acknowledgment of the allure of Rangers and the Old Firm atmosphere, however, leaves the door open for a potential future move.
Should Doig continue to develop and Gers find themselves in need of a seasoned left-back with Scottish league experience and an international profile, his openness to new cultures and the prestige of playing for the Ibrox outfit could make him a desirable acquisition in a few years.
As things stand, the club have other areas of the pitch that need strengthening even thought Yilmaz has barely played this season.
Hopefully, the Turkey international is not far away from making his first-team return and can provide competition to Jefte.
In other Rangers news, sources have issued an update on the club’s quest to sign a striker liekened to Harry Kane.
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