If a report from the Daily Record is believed to be true, Rangers are closing in on Colombian sensation Juan Alegria over a potential summer move. The youngster has been a transfer target for a while and the Gers have finally struck a deal with FC Honka who failed to make it through to the group stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League having been knocked out by NK Domzale.
The 19-year-old centre-forward left his boyhood side Deportes Tolima a year ago. He plied his trade in Finland to gain European experience and soon grabbed a starting status after making his presence known for the reserves. The Gers scouted him extensively in the recent past and were close to securing his services back in the winter window. They have now revived interest in the teenage prodigy and are ready to announce his arrival in due course of time.
The champions began their title defence with a thumping 3-0 win against Livingston. The transformation under Steven Gerrard has brought back European success over the past couple of campaigns and his reputation helped Rangers rope in players of Fashion Sakala and John Lundstram’s profile on Bosman transfers. Charlie McCann has been another smart inclusion considering his emergence through the academy ranks of Manchester United and Alegria, a bright attacking prospect, is set to join the Colts to develop his skills in new surroundings.
Why This Deal Reminds Of The One That Rangers Pulled Off Four Years Ago
Coincidentally, the Bears pulled off a similar deal for fellow Colombian Alfredo Morelos back in the summer of 2017. The striking ace completed a £1m Ibrox switch from Finnish giants HJK during Pedro Caixinha’s stint as the Light Blues chief. He gained attention for his scoring traits in no time and soon secured the ‘number 9’ status week in, week out across competitions.
Morelos has netted 94 goals so far in 182 Rangers appearances and these exquisite numbers earned him his Los Cafeteros debut three years ago. Clubs in Europe are weighing up a move for the free-scoring frontman and Alegria, another young South American talent, might follow the footsteps of his countryman.
The Light Blues would listen to offers for ‘El Bufalo’ amid interest from Porto. The player himself has expressed his desire to experience a new challenge elsewhere and a summer egress might see Alegria claiming a sporadic status behind Sakala, Cedric Itten, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe. Having said that, he must attune to the aggression of Scottish football and impress Gerrard in the training ground to stake a claim in his immediate plans.
