Rangers hunt deal to sign ‘best defender’ King after SPFL deal fail – Exclusive
Rangers are interested in signing the “best defender in the Jamaica Premier League”, according to Daniel Blake.
The Jamaica Observer journalist has spoken exclusively to Ibrox News after the Daily Record reported that the Light Blues are hot on the heels of Cavalier FC centre-back Richard King.
It was claimed on 8 January that Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen are readying a move to sign the 23-year-old Jamaica international due to a defensive injury crisis at Ibrox.
Rangers injury crisis sees Gers eye Richard King
Ridvan Yilmaz was forced to play at right-back while Clinton Nsiala was handed his first senior appearance for Rangers in their 1-1 draw at Dundee on Thursday night (10 January).
King is highly regarded in Jamaican football and has previously been linked with Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham.
Ibrox News understands he also had a trial with St Johnstone last January but the Perth club failed to offer him a deal.
Jamaican football expert Blake believes Rangers will be signing an extremely adept centre-back in King if they can strike a deal with Cavalier in the winter transfer window.
“Since 2021, Richard King has been regarded the best defender in the Jamaica Premier League. He’s also been the only defender, based in the Jamaican league, to consistently make the national team even with the additions of the England-born players. It’s also the reason why he’s linked with Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham in the last year,” Blake told Ibrox News.
“As a central defender, King is a mix of an ‘old school’ and ‘new school’ defender. He’s a tough tackler, great in the air but he’s also quick, a great passer of the ball, can advance with the ball through tight spaces and pops up with the occasional goal.
“His leadership qualities should also be mentioned because as captain, he’s led Cavalier to the league title and the Caribbean Club title which has them on course to play Lionel Messi in the Concacaf Champions League. He doesn’t talk constantly like certain defenders but speaks when necessary and helps organise the team at key points.
“Current national team head coach Steve McClaren, as well as a number of local coaches, including his club coach Rudolph Speid, have spoken highly of him which says a lot about his talent.
“His stint in Iceland didn’t work as well as it could have due to a number of circumstances but it’s felt that he could do well in a better environment overseas.“
King spent the 2023 season on loan at IBV in Iceland, playing 17 times in all competitions.
So far this season in Jamaica, he’s played 20 times and scored once.
After impressing at Kingston-based Cavalier, he was called up to the Jamaica national team and currently has 20 caps for his country.
In other Rangers news, there’s been outrage over the latest Clement “hogwash” at Ibrox.
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