Rangers have done brilliant business this summer having signed ten players already without splashing to much cash. We have to hail Mark Warburton for the brilliant work he has done over the summer but keeping the club’s economic position in mind at the same time. If reports from The Daily Record are to be believed, Rangers are all set to make their eleventh signing of the summer in the form of former Arsenal stopper Philippe Senderos who has also undergone a medical yesterday.
Since being released by his native Swiss side Grasshoppers last summer, Senderos had been training with the Gers for the past couple of weeks to keep up his fitness and Warburton has seen enough in the Swiss international to offer him a contract at Ibrox. The Daily Record claims that Joleon Lescott and Adrian Mariappa were the targets Rangers first looked at but are happy to wrap up the signing of the Swiss stopper.
Here is SWOT analysis of the Swiss international defender all set to join Rangers.
Strengths
Senderos has an impressive resume having played for clubs like Arsenal, AC Milan, Everton, Valencia, Aston Villa and Fulham. Capped 57 times for Switzerland, the 31-year-old comes with a plethora of international experience as well and had represented Switzerland in three World Cups. He can prove to be a big addition to Rangers defence and he can easily challenge either Rob Kiernan or Danny Wilson for a starting role.
Weaknesses
Senderos has always been a decent defender but could never reach the heights of his career which was expected of him. Injuries played a big part in that, though. In his last season at Aston Villa, he failed to get much game time despite all his experience. Although, the Swiss international can still shine in the Premiership considering the monumental difference in the level of Premiership with the English Premier League.
Opportunities
Just aged 31, Senderos can be a part of Rangers’ plans for at least 2-3 years if not more provided that he stays fit and does a good job. Traditionally an elite club in the UK, Rangers will add more value to the CV of the defender who already possesses a pretty solid resume.
Threats
The intentions of Rangers going for another defender is crystal clear i.e. they do not want to leave any stone unturned in their quest to dethrone Celtic off their domestic perch. That is why they had been looking for more experienced candidates in defence. However, that also means that the competition for places will be tough. Senderos will have to hit the ground running as he cannot afford to fall behind and allow the likes of Kiernan, Wilson and Hill to be the preferred choices.
