If a report from Portuguese outlet Record is believed to be true, Rangers had their bid rejected for FC Porto youngster Goncalo Borges. Strasbourg of Ligue 1 also attempted to secure his services, but the Primeira Liga heavyweights declined the offer amid uncertainties over Fabio Conceicao’s future at Estádio do Dragão.
The 23-year-old wide attacker began his career at Benfica before joining the academy ranks of Dragões in 2015. He eventually earned a regular role for the reserves and was sporadically involved with the first team until the 2022-23 campaign. Borges was a part of their senior side last season as he made 28 appearances in all competitions.
While the wait continues for his first senior goal, the former Portugal youth international fancies more minutes this term thanks to an impressive pre-season run. Porto are also reluctant to sanction a transfer but, at the same time, will review their position in case of an ‘irresistible’ offer. Negotiations are tipped to continue in the coming days with Rangers having the edge over Strasbourg for their European involvement.
The Light Blues are plotting yet another squad revamp, this time under Philippe Clement in his first full season as the Ibrox chief. They lacked quality across the field, including the attacking third, which has been further decimated by summer departures.
Why Rangers Should Not Rush For Borges
After a stop-start stint due to fitness woes, Kemar Roofe is now a free agent upon the expiration of his Rangers contract. Abdallah Sima and Fabio Silva returned to Brighton and Wolves following their loan spells, and the Gers decided not to follow up on the latter due to an underwhelming display. The Seagulls’ £7m asking fee has refrained them from bringing Sima back, also, they have now parted ways with Sam Lammers after prolonged negotiations.
Rangers have made a few signings high up the pitch to restore depth and enhance quality. Oscar Cortes, still on loan, has a point to prove after injury-ravaged months, whereas Hamza Igamane is viewed as a project recruit rather than an instant solution. Václav Černý is an exciting addition down the wide, but the form and fitness concerns of Scott Wright, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo highlight the necessity of fresh inclusions across the frontline.
With Cortes, Matondo, Wright, Lawrence, Cerny and the academy graduate Ross McCausland, the Light Blues are already stacked on the flanks. A move for Borges does not make sense at this stage unless they generate funds from player sales.
