Rangers may have a hectic last few days of the transfer window as they continue to pursue Lyall Cameron, ward off a possible Chelsea offer, and seek at least one previous player.
With less than a week left in the January transfer window, Rangers are trying to make a number of wise purchases.
Manager Philippe Clement and director of recruitment Nils Koppen are still working behind the scenes in preparation for Monday’s deadline, despite the window being quiet. Rafael Fernandes, a centre-back on loan from Lille, is their only acquisition to yet.
Alex Lowry, meanwhile, has moved to Wycombe Wanderers. Ibrox has also seen the loan departures of Kieran Dowell, Robbie Fraser, Cole McKinnon, Leyton Grant, and Kristian Webster. It’s logical to assume that more work is required if they intend to catch up to Celtic, who lead the Scottish Premiership by 10 points with one game remaining. Fernandes and Robin Propper are the only first-team center-backs available to Clement due to an injury crisis, among other squad concerns. But, as is typical at this time of year, there are a lot of transfer rumours circulating, which might still help the team have a successful month.
A contract with Lyall Cameron was reached.
This month, it was exclusively reported by Record Sport that Rangers were negotiating a free transfer for Dundee’s talented young player Lyall Cameron. A successful transfer would see the 22-year-old midfielder arrive at the end of the season, as Cameron’s contract at Dens Park expires in the summer.
While finalising his contract certainly won’t have an immediate impact, it would no doubt be a wise move, giving the Gers a head start for next season. It would not be easy to convince him to join, though, as the Daily Mail claims Aberdeen is trying to convince Cameron that moving to Pittodrie will benefit him more in the long run by offering him regular first-team play.
While Josh Mulligan, another academy graduate, is nearing the end of his contract, Dundee manager Tony Docherty is still holding out hope that Cameron will sign a new one. According to Docherty, some couples have returned and stated that they will sign, while others prefer to wait, which is their right. Lyall falls into that group. I still have hope, though.
Nathan Patterson is back.
Before Everton acquired Nathan Patterson in January 2022 for £11.5 million (up to £16 million), he made just 13 league appearances for Rangers. After a dismal three years, he may be leaving Goodison Park because the Toffees are eager to hire a new right-back.
Patterson, whose previous Everton manager Sean Dyche stated he could only leave if a replacement was found, would be relieved by this. He has only made six Premier League appearances this season off the bench, demonstrating his continued struggle for playing time.
He is reportedly willing to leave Everton as well in an effort to get more playing time, attract Steve Clarke’s attention, and rejoin the Scotland squad. Playing in a familiar setting should help the versatile 23-year-old restore his form and confidence, so a homecoming at the Ibrox might be the best course of action.
Nikola Katic’s return
Nikola Katic is another former Rangers player who has been linked to a comeback this month. As he approaches the last 18 months of his contract, Rangers executives reportedly made an offer to Katic, who plays for FC Zurich, according to Swiss publication Watson.
However, Record Sport is aware that at this point in the window, the player’s representation are not aware of any communication from the Premiership team. However, the Bosnian international is eager to leave Zurich and return to Glasgow, and sports director Milos Malenovic acknowledged that the 28-year-old has an open route to making his ideal transfer.
Zurich manager Ricardo Moniz, however, cautioned Katic that he may find himself in a “difficult situation” after being excluded from matchday squads in an attempt to make a move. Katic, who played at the Ibrox from 2018 to 2022, has not yet received any offers.
Jefte’s interest was rejected.
Premier League powerhouse Chelsea is reportedly one of several teams interested in Jefte, according to reports from Brazil. The left-back, who cost £700,000 to join Gers from Fluminense last summer, has emerged as one of the team’s most promising players, so it would be devastating to leave so soon into his Glasgow tenure.
As far as Record Sport is aware, Chelsea has not gotten in touch directly. However, the player’s agents have communicated with Ibrox officials to let Rangers know that Chelsea is at the top of a list of English and European suitors who are now monitoring the left-back as they consider making a move.
His previous Brazilian employers would also get a 20% share of the transfer money if Jefte left. Although the 21-year-old has expressed his desire to play in England in the past, losing him in the middle of the season shouldn’t be a possibility that is given any thought.
insertion of a left wing
Clement desperately needs some depth at the left-wing position. This season, Oscar Cortes of Colombia has been plagued by injuries.
Rabbi Matondo, meanwhile, was about to leave Rangers this month until his transfer to Coventry City fell through. The 24-year-old former Manchester City player’s time in Scotland appears to be coming to an end as he has also been linked to teams like Sunderland and Nantes of Ligue 1.
Though Tiago Gouveia declined to rule out a Rangers move in the future after Benfica closed the door on his departure last summer, it is perhaps disconcerting that there are presently no significant transfer links involving a left winger. “I’m here every day waiting for opportunities,” Gouveia, who has only participated in three league games this season, swore at the time. There are times when it doesn’t, and the frustration is immense.
Ryan Kent, 28, a former Gers star, may possibly be available in January. After being released by Fenerbahce in October, Kent is still a free agent. Clement acknowledged that he was an admirer of Kent while he was at Club Brugge.
