Glasgow Rangers are showing no signs of slowing down in their transfer activity this summer, as they continue to revamp their squad under the guidance of Michael Beale. Despite already securing seven new signings, the Ibrox club is expected to bring in a few more players in the coming weeks. The emphasis on player trading has been evident, with Beale maximizing the value of outgoing players. While the departure of Antonio Colak and the imminent exit of Fashion Sakala have generated impressive profits, the club now aims to reinvest these funds into further strengthening the team, particularly in the center-back position. The potential acquisition of Jonathan Panzo has emerged as a topic of interest for Rangers.
The Focus on Maximizing Player Value
The player trading model has been fully operational at Rangers, with Beale capitalizing on the value of outgoing players. Antonio Colak, who was signed for £1.8m last summer, recently left the club for a fee of £2.5m, securing a profitable deal. Similarly, Fashion Sakala, who joined the team on a free transfer in 2021, is now expected to depart for £4m. This impressive profit from player sales could potentially benefit the overall squad.
Center-Back Position as a Priority
Although the recent signing of Leon Balogun has strengthened Rangers’ defense, the center-back position remains a concern for Beale. “Signing another center-back is still a priority for the club,” admits the source. Leon King is currently injured, Ben Davies has attracted interest from other clubs, and despite John Souttar’s strong performances towards the end of last season, his history of injury problems could disrupt another campaign. Consequently, Beale recognizes the need to add another defender to his ranks.
Interest in Jonathan Panzo
According to Football Scotland, Rangers are keen on securing the services of Jonathan Panzo this summer, although financial details must be resolved before any deal can be finalized. To acquire the Englishman from Nottingham Forest, Rangers would need to pay a fee of £2.5m. Should Beale successfully move a few more players out of the club in the coming week, this should not pose a significant problem.
Panzo’s Potential Impact
The 22-year-old Panzo spent last season on loan at Coventry City from Nottingham Forest. He came tantalizingly close to leading them back to the Premier League after a 22-year absence, narrowly losing in the playoff final to Luton Town. Panzo’s impressive performance in the Championship showcased his defensive capabilities, with 1.6 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 2.9 clearances per game. These statistics would rank him sixth, first, and second respectively across the entire Rangers squad for the same metrics, indicating his potential to significantly bolster the team’s qualities.
Forest U21 coach Dave Rogers has spoken highly of Panzo, praising his professionalism, energy, and positive impact on the dressing room. These attributes align with Beale’s vision of building a vibrant, young squad at Ibrox, instilling a positive atmosphere and hunger within the team. Consequently, Panzo emerges as an excellent choice to enhance Rangers’ defensive line.
Addressing Defensive Weakness
Rangers conceded 37 goals last season, a figure that may not sound alarming initially. However, it represented an increase of six goals compared to the previous campaign. Beale is aware that improvements need to be made in this key area, as it could potentially hinder the team’s progress if left unresolved.