Rangers ‘ready Mbuyamba transfer’ as six-figure deal now on cards at Ibrox
Russell Martin’s spending spree at Rangers looks set to continue with the signing of Xavier Mbuyamba.
The Ibrox outfit have already made six signings as they look to catch up with Celtic domestically and qualify for the Champions League.
The likes of Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandes and Thelo Aasgard have come through the doors in Govan, but it seems as though they are not done with their business.
Their next addition could be the best yet, though, if they can pull off a deal.
Rangers enter the race for Mbuyamba
Rangers could seal a coup with the signing of Mbuyamba, as the 23-year-old is a product of both Barcelona and Chelsea’s youth academies.
Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano (15 July) claimed that the Gers are targeting the centre-back after Volendam put him up for sale.
He states that the Dutch club are looking for £434,000 for the defender after he refused to extend his contract.
Mbuyamba could seal Propper exit at Rangers
If the Gers secure a deal for Mbuyamba, then it could signal the end of Robin Propper’s career in Govan despite him only joining last summer.
The 31-year-old has been linked with an exit, with former club FC Twente keen, although nothing has materialised yet.
| Stats (Scottish Premiership) | Propper |
| Matches | 27 |
| Ground duels won | 62.8% |
| Aerial duels won | 63.3% |
| Minutes played | 2,019 |
The Dutchman endured a miserable campaign under both Philippe Clement and Barry Ferguson, and it does not seem like Martin trusts him to start in the new era in his backline.
The Light Blues have already added Nasser Djiga and Fernandes to their ranks in his position, and surely another one would effectively end Propper’s time at Auchenhowie.
There are also question marks over John Souttar’s future with the club, amid interest from Turkish outfit Trabzonspor, and the Bears could be tempted to sell him as he is out of contract next summer.
Mbuyamba is an exciting prospect, who is physically imposing, boasts strong aerial ability, ball control skills and is versatile, as he plays through the middle or on the right flank.
He has been compared to Virgil van Dijk, who starred for Celtic before his eventual move to the Premier League, and the hope will be that his fellow Dutchman can have a similar impact.
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