If a report from Turkish outlet Takvim is believed to be true, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has sanctioned a summer move for Fenerbahce winger Bright Osayi-Samuel. The rumour surfaced time and again in recent weeks, however, further discussions are set to undergo now in the coming days as per the transfer story.
The 23-year-old former QPR attacker joined the Super Lig giants earlier this year. The Gers were keen on having him at Ibrox too, but the move did not materialize due to Fenerbahce’s promptness during the winter window. But the youngster struggled to settle in new surroundings as he managed to find the net only once in 18 league appearances for the Istanbul giants. A move, therefore, might be on the cards and the Bears are willing to grab this opportunity to bolster their attack.
Although there have been various claims from the Turkish media over the structure of a potential deal, the latest one has highlighted a valuation of around £3.4m set by Fener for the talented Nigerian. Rangers would begin with a £2.6m bid for Osayi-Samuel and the negotiation might take a while before these two sides reach an agreement ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Why Rangers Should Bring Osayi-Samuel In
The Light Blues have conquered the Premiership crown after a decade of despair and are eyeing a place in the Champions League group stages by winning the qualifier. They have a pretty stable attacking line, but the likely exit of Alfredo Morelos might force the gaffer to reshuffle his current options. The signing of Fashion Sakala on Bosman is a massive coup, but the versatile Zambian should only be viewed as a like-for-like replacement for the free-scoring Colombian. Kemar Roofe should also be considered as a ‘number 9’ since he has been attuning to that role under Marcelo Bielsa during his Leeds United stint.
Rangers had four wingers out on loan for first-team football. Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker, Jake Hastie and Glenn Middleton should be keenly observed during pre-season, but they would still have to accept a fringe status behind Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi or Scott Wright. The club might listen to offers for them to stabilize their finances and balance the books after hefty transfer spending in recent years.
Osayi-Samuel prefers to operate from the right but is also capable to ply his trade on the left or as a ‘False 9’. He should challenge and cover Hagi down the wide and the arrival of the ex-Blackpool prodigy would boost Gerrard with ample depth as well as quality high up the pitch.
