Jefte to Chelsea: Philippe Clement directly responds to Rangers transfer news
Philippe Clement thinks it is too soon for Jefte to be considering swapping Rangers for Chelsea but accepts that a move for the full-back could happen “one day”.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Chelsea [Chris Jack, 28 January] despite only moving to Ibrox last summer.
The left-back has been a regular in the Gers side this term, making 21 appearances with two assists to his name for the campaign.
However, his manager has shut off conversations of a Premier League move for now as he said in his pre-match press conference before Thursday’s Europa League clash with Union Saint-Gilloise (29 January): “So I know that kind of club. I had some players going there or similar clubs.
“Maybe one day, no not maybe, if he makes a normal evolution what he has been doing now, I think one day he will be ready for that.
“But at the moment it’s too early and I think this is a really good place for him to develop.
“So he’s totally not busy with all these rumours, totally not.”
Jefte set to remain with Rangers
Having had a strong season this term and still just 21-years-old, it’s not surprising that there has been talk of interest in Jefte from elsewhere.
However, Clement’s comments are probably fair and if he can stay at Rangers for now and get regular first-team minutes, it will no doubt increase his development and unleash more of his talent in the coming months.
Furthermore, a move to Chelsea would not lead to regular Premier League minutes for the youngster and it is not something that has proved to be useful for other young talented players, which would surely be off-putting as he wouldn’t want to risk stagnation at this stage.
The left-back will no doubt be pleased with the links to his name during the transfer window and this should serve as a motivation going forward.
As his boss says, should Jefte continue the development he has shown so far, there is surely a successful future on the horizon.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has shared his sympathy after the recent controversy surrounding the Light Blues.
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