If a report from Spanish outlet AS is believed to be true (as quoted by the Daily Record), Rangers are eyeing a move for Paris St-Germain prodigy Xavi Simons. Super agent Mino Raiola represents the teenager and the Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has personally pursued his fellow countryman’s signature.
The Dutchman joined the esteemed La Masia at the age of 7 and spent almost a decade before leaving for PSG. Barcelona and the player’s entourage could not reach a common ground and the French heavyweights stepped in to secure his services flexing their financial firepower.
However, the 18-year-old midfield attacker will be a free agent by next summer. He is free to talk to his suitors from the New Year and Rangers, one of his keen admirers, are trying their level best to rope him in for the forthcoming future. Despite impressing in the UEFA Youth League, Simons’ minutes have been limited for Les Parisiens. There is little hope for regular gametime in a star-studded Paris St-Germain side and the player, therefore, must opt for a fresh challenge to attune to the senior set-up.
Why Rangers Must Step Up The Chase
Although there might be outfits with better profiles, a move to Rangers would be a stepping stone for the highly-rated youngster to fulfil his potential. Predominantly a ‘number 10’, Simons has showcased his prolific poaching traits as a centre-forward for the U19s. 3 goals and 6 assists in 6 UEFA Youth League appearances (stats via Transfermarket) depict his efficiency as a ‘number 9’.
Rangers, meanwhile, are eyeing successive Premiership silverware defeating bitter rivals Celtic. They have also progressed through to the knockouts of the Europa League and the glorious realm of Steven Gerrard is being emulated by Van Bronckhorst since his return to Ibrox. He has enjoyed a boisterous start across competitions and the reinforcements in the coming days would help him achieve more success as a manager.
The Light Blues are well equipped in the centre of the pitch with Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Juninho Bacuna and Steven Davis challenging each other for first-team football. But they lack an attacking playmaker in their ranks, also the flexibility of Simons would enrich the gaffer with more quality in the offensive third. While he might be available on a Bosman by the end of the ongoing term, Rangers must snap him up in a cut-price deal this winter.
