Koppen could pull off Rangers masterstroke with transfer of ‘unsettled’ ace
Rangers are in dire need of a centre-back before the January transfer window closes.
The 2024/25 season has been one to forget for Gers fans as they have once again found themselves in the shadow of their arch-rivals Celtic.
Although they triumphed over Brendan Rodgers’ men 3-0 in the last Old Firm derby, it still hasn’t patched up the poor performances Philippe Clement’s men have consistently put in over the last few months.
To make matters worse, the Belgian’s squad has been struck down with a defensive injury crisis that has left the Ibrox outfit with just one natural fit centre-back in Robin Propper.
Several names have already been mooted with an Ibrox switch but a name that has seemed to pique the interest of a fair few fans is that of Ryan Porteous’ [Fussball Europa, 6 January].
The defender is currently plying his trade in the Championship for Watford and according to Times journalist Michael Grant, the former Hibs man seems “unsettled”.
“He [Porteous] appears to be a little unsettled at Watford doesn’t he, looking to get out,” he said on the Scottish Football Podcast (7 January).
“I think Hull City have been linked with him, I’m not sure there was any love between Ryan and Rangers’ support when he was up here but I know Rangers fans that say ‘Porteous would be a good signing for us, that kind of character and strength’ and you know maybe he could be a good fit.”
Ryan Porteous is the answer to the problems Rangers are facing
Although the title is now way out of reach for Rangers, it still feels like there’s plenty for Clement’s men to fight for.
There’s another domestic cup run to come and they still sit eighth in the Europa League table thanks to the stellar form of Hamza Igamane.
However, a decent performance in both of those competitions won’t be possible unless another centre-back is added to the Ibrox outfit’s ranks.
At the moment, Propper is their only port of call at centre-back and even though the shoe-horning in of Dujon Sterling is working out for now, Clement could certainly do with more reinforcement in that area.
If Clement wants to keep his job and lead his men into the second half of the season, he needs to find a way to step things up or at least bring in some new faces to spruce things up a bit.
In other Rangers news, a Jonny Evans question has been posed after the latest transfer news that has emerged from Ibrox.
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