According to a recent report by renowned source Get French Football News, quoting France Football, Premiership giants Rangers are said to have taken the initial steps towards potentially securing the signature of South African holding-midfielder Bongani Zungu. The report suggests that Steven Gerrard’s side have already started making advances to acquire the midfielder’s services from recently relegated Ligue 2 outfit Amiens (although watch this space on whether they really stay relegated). The Gers are claimed to have made enquiries about the player’s overall quality to various sources close to the French footballing scene.
Although the report has clarified that Rangers are interested in Bongani Zungu, Gerrard will definitely not have an easy task of bringing him to the Ibrox next season. A previous interview by GFFN had exclusively revealed the midfielder’s desire to leave the Picardy club, and this could come as the perfect opportunity for Gerrard to pounce. La Liga outfit Mallorca are claimed to have approached the South African in January, while there is still some lingering interest from Spain. Amiens are reportedly looking to get around €2m-€3m for Zungu’s signature, with Ligue 1 side Strasbourg also keen on his profile.
How Has Bongani Zungu Made A Name For Himself In Europe?
The holding midfielder was initially a member of the youth system at South African outfit Dynamos, but actually made a real name for himself while at Sundowns. It was from here that the stalwart was recognised as a potential talent by Portuguese side Vitoria. It took just a year in Portugal for the midfielder to announce himself in the European scene, and his performances in the Liga NOS are arguably what prompted Amiens to make a move for his services in the summer of 2017. Over this time, Zungu has played in a total of 24 matches for the South African national setup as well.
What Would Zungu Bring To This Rangers Midfield?
The Gers’ search for central midfielders has been no secret, and a large part of that could be down to the rising ages of some of their usual options. Scott Arfield and Steven Davis are both the wrong side of their thirties, and finding first-team replacements for them will only be an eventuality. While the presence of players like Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara will make things a little less urgent for Gerrard, it would only help their cause to acquire a physically dominant name to add to the core of the team.
Zungu boasts excellent physical attributes in the central area and could be perfectly suited to the gritty and fast-paced nature of Premiership football. Currently 27-years-old, the midfielder would also bring a certain degree of much-needed experience to the Gers’ core, especially with the likes of Davis entering the last legs of their career.
The South African’s preferred position would be just in front of the back-line, where he will be tasked with offering added protection and cover to the centre-halves. Although Zungu doesn’t involve himself too much in the attacking play, he’s more than capable of having an impact during the build-up.
Rangers Are Interested In Bongani Zungu: Smart Move For Steven Gerrard?
The Gers will be heading into the next Premiership season with a flurry of expectations from the fans, mainly owing to how this season tapered off in the end. The acquisition of Ianis Hagi has been received exceptionally well by the Ibrox faithful, but there are a couple of other holes within the side that need to be filled as well.
While it could be argued that central midfield needn’t be a priority, the fact remains that signing a player of Zungu’s quality would only improve their chances. Gerrard has already expressed his desire to strengthen, and signing the Amiens man would help the Liverpool legend do just that at Rangers next season.
