Josh Windass sends message to Gassama after Rangers debut v Panathinaikos
Djeidi Gassama enjoyed a memorable debut for Rangers in the win over Panathinaikos on Tuesday night (22 July).
The youngster came off the bench in the 74th minute and netted a stunning strike from distance as his side saw off the Greek giants in the first leg of their Champions League qualifying tie.
Rangers secured their maiden competitive win under Russell Martin at the first time of asking, and they now have a two-goal lead with them to Athens for the reverse fixture.
Gassama had only been a Rangers player for a week by the time their European night came around, but he has already made a name for himself with the Govan outfit.
Windass reacts to Gassama’s Instagram post
Gassama’s strike added to Findlay Curtis’ opener for Rangers, as their pair of young stars shone in their midweek victory.
The Frenchman picked the perfect moment to announce himself as a Gers player, and there will now be big expectations on him to perform when the domestic campaign gets underway.
The 21-year-old recently completed a move to Ibrox after spending the last two seasons with Sheffield Wednesday, who were disappointed to lose the forward.
He hit a career-best total of eight goals in all competitions for the Owls last season, and linked up with former Rangers star Josh Windass in Danny Rohl’s side.
Gassama took to Instagram on Wednesday (23 July) to express his delight at the outcome of his first outfit north of the border.
The winger wrote: “What an atmosphere! What a night. First minutes, first goal – and a big win to start. But we’re only halfway. Let’s finish the job next week.”
Windass responded by issuing a message to his former teammate. The 31-year-old commented: “Great start Gassa! Enjoy it.”
Gassama could be a big player for Rangers
Rangers’ pursuit of Gassama was complicated by the Owls’ ongoing issues behind the scenes, but the Gers will now be delighted that they were able to get the deal over the line.
Martin and his coaching staff have a hugely exciting player on their hands, who is capable of producing moments of magic and changing games on his own.
| Player | Goals |
| Mihailo Ivanovic | 12 |
| Wilfried Gnonto | 9 |
| Eliezer Mayenda | 8 |
| Djeidi Gassama | 7 |
| Ante Crnac | 7 |
The former PSG youngster was one of the Championship’s brightest young stars last time out, and his form in the English second tier should translate well into the Premiership this term.
Throw in the fact that Gassama has massive potential to improve and become a genuine top-class talent, and this could prove to be one of the Gers’ best pieces of transfer business in recent years.
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