If a report from the Chronicle Live (as quoted by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, former Rangers boss Michael Beale is eyeing a reunion with Sam Lammers in the ongoing January transfer window.
The 26-year-old Dutchman joined the Gers from Atalanta for around £3.5m. Beale sanctioned the move back in the summer, but the versatile attacker has failed to make an impact with just two goals and assists each in 31 outings across competitions. Philippe Clement, the Englishman’s successor as the Ibrox chief, has deployed him sporadically in recent games following Ross McCausland’s emergence through Rangers‘ academy ranks.
Lammers progressed through the academy ranks of VOAB, Willem II and PSV before breaking into the latter’s senior squad back in September 2016. Despite firing in for their reserves as well as on loan at Heerenveen, the former Netherlands youth international could not cement his place in the first-team setup. The €9m transfer to Atalanta did not work out either and the Dutch star plied his trade to Scotland to revive his career.
Although he began his career as a centre-forward, the failed loan stints with Eintracht Frankfurt, Empoli and Atalanta saw him being transformed into a utility option across the attacking third. Injuries to Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo earned him minutes both as a ‘number 10’ and right-winger, but he could not make the opportunities count under Beale before his dismissal.
Why Rangers Should Sanction The Transfer
While his situation has not improved despite managerial alteration, Beale’s appointment as the Sunderland chief could be a blessing in disguise for Lammers. The Black Cats are fighting for Premier League promotion and the ex-Light Blues gaffer is looking to put his stamp at the Stadium of Light with winter signings.
Meanwhile, Rangers have a decimated frontline with Danilo and Kemar Roofe sidelined with their respective injury problems. Cyriel Dessers has struggled to attune to the pace and aggression of the Scottish game and the club have now roped in Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers for the remainder of the campaign.
The arrival of the young Portuguese indicates that Lammers is not viewed as an outright ‘number 9’ option. Also, the depth down the flanks makes him surplus to requirements as a wing-forward. Todd Cantwell remains the preferred choice as a midfield attacker until Lawrence returns to action and Clement, therefore, should sanction his exit if Sunderland step up their interest in the coming days.
