In a recent development, football pundit Alan Hutton has provided insight into Rangers’ upcoming moves in the transfer market, anticipating the signing of an additional defender this month. As the transfer window approaches its closure, Hutton predicts a double exit within the attacking lineup at Ibrox.
Hutton, known for his analyses on the BBC, has highlighted the situation at Rangers, attributing the expected departures to the substantial influx of attacking players within the team. Notably, Fashion Sakala has already made his exit, leaving room for further changes within the squad.
The strategic considerations of Rangers’ manager Michael Beale appear to be a driving factor behind these anticipated shifts. Hutton suggests that if Beale plans to employ a tactical formation utilizing three defenders at the back, it becomes imperative for the club to bolster their defensive options. Currently, the team faces a deficiency in quality depth in defensive positions. Hutton elaborated on this matter in his column on BBC Sport following Rangers’ recent draw with Servette.
Hutton articulated, “They’re quite heavily loaded in the forward areas, so you would maybe expect a couple to leave. If you look at the centre-half position, if he’s going to play three at the back, is that perhaps somewhere they could look to bring somebody in? We’ll need to wait and see but I think he’ll be nearly happy with what he’s got.”
During the summer, initial speculations circulated about potential departures of players like Sakala and Rabbi Matondo. These speculations were fueled by the arrival of four new forwards, namely Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, Abdallah Sima, and Danilo. However, the season’s start has hinted at Beale’s intention to maintain a robust array of attacking choices, with each player providing distinct tactical advantages.
The departure of Sakala, who left for Saudi Arabia, led to Beale’s acknowledgment that “he was a player I was counting on.” Despite this, the lucrative offer presented to both the club and the player made the decision to let him go an attractive one.
Matondo, on the other hand, has showcased his value to Rangers through his remarkable speed and capability to inject directness and width into their gameplay. This was evident as he secured an assist in the team’s triumphant 4-0 victory over Livingston, underscoring his continued relevance to the squad.
As for defensive reinforcements, Rangers’ pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Jonathan Panzo hit a roadblock and the deal fell through. However, the club has since exhibited interest in Zak Vyner from Bristol City, as reported by Bristol Live on August 13.
As the transfer window’s end draws near, Rangers’ strategic maneuvers are eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike. The prospect of a new defender joining the ranks and potential changes in the attacking composition paint an intriguing picture for the team’s future endeavors.