If a report from Sportsworldghana.com is believed to be true, Rangers have joined the race for Antoine Semenyo. Celtic, their Old Firm rivals, have been monitoring the Bristol City star for quite some time, and the Glasgow giants might engage in a transfer battle for the youngster once the transfer window reopens in January.
The 22-year-old Ghana international progressed through the Robins’ academy ranks. He initially struggled to secure a starting status for the Championship side, but the loan spells in the lower leagues helped him develop his game before breaking into their first-team squad. Semenyo cemented a regular role from the 2020-21 season onwards and has so far registered 17 goals and 21 assists in 115 senior appearances across competitions.
Although it remains to be seen whether he makes the cut in Otto Addo’s final FIFA World Cup squad, the growing interest in the attacking ace depicts his ability to shine at the highest level. He is comfortable with both his feet and has exhibited his flexibility across the frontline.
Semenyo started the season brightly with 3 goals in 4 league games while spearheading the Bristol City attack. But he has not found the target ever since as the Cider Army are struggling lower down the league standings. His contract at Ashton Gate is set to expire in the summer of 2023. However, the club has the option to trigger a one-year extension if certain criteria are met.
This must have put Bristol City in the driver’s seat before engaging in transfer negotiations. They are demanding a fee of around £5m and the Gers are reportedly preparing an offer to resolve their crisis in the attacking third.
Why Rangers Must Step Up The Chase
Rangers were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League with the worst-ever record in the competition’s history. They not only lost all six games but also finished with a -20 goal difference. Their centre-forwards failed miserably high up the pitch and the under-pressure management must script a reshuffle to avoid more misery.
Meanwhile, Alfredo Morelos has been a shadow of his usual self. He is likely to part ways upon the expiration of his Ibrox contract at the closure of the current campaign, also Kemar Roofe can not be relied upon in the long run. Antonio Colak needs competition upfront and the arrival of Semenyo would inject the same irrespective of Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s future.
