If a recent report from De Telegraaf is believed to be true, Rangers have agreed terms with FC Twente for their skipper Robin Propper. The centre-back signed a long-term contract in January, but the Light Blues seem to have triggered the release clause to secure his services in the summer window.
The 30-year-old has also agreed personal terms pending medical ahead of a ‘dream’ move to Ibrox. Sam Lammers’ transfer to Twente has helped smoothen the relation between these two sides thus making the swoop possible with little trouble under the watch of former PSV chief Nils Koppen who is now in charge of Rangers’ scouting department.
Koppen’s experience in the Netherlands led to the transfers of Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Fabio Silva, Sam Lammers and most recently Vaclav Cerny. While it has not worked out for Lammers and Silva, Dessers received strong criticism for his all-round game despite scoring 22 goals last season in all competitions. Danilo looked impressive high up the pitch, but his minutes were limited due to persistent injury problems. The duo must step up their game while spearheading the attack, also, the latter’s lethal partnership with Cerny from Twente days should bolster the Gers if replicated in Scottish football.
Propper progressed through the academy ranks of VDZ, Vitesse and De Graafschap before breaking into the latter’s senior squad in the Eerste Divisie. He was crucial to their Eredivisie promotion in 2015, but the Super Farmers failed to retain their top-flight status having been relegated at the closure of the 2015-16 campaign.
However, the Dutchman was roped in by Heracles Almelo on a Bosman. He appeared more than 100 times for the Eredivisie outfit before completing another free transfer to Twente in the summer of 2021. With 115 appearances over the past three seasons, Propper has exhibited his leadership traits, resilience and composure in the heart of the backline.
Why It’s A Smart Move From Rangers
After years of grit and greatness, Rangers have parted ways with Connor Goldson in favour of a £1.7m switch to Aris Limassol. They had to bring in someone to restore the parity in deep defence, and Propper, with all his quality and experience, makes for a like-for-like replacement.
Despite extending Leon Balogun’s contract for one more year, the 35-year-old Nigerian should not be viewed as a regular starter in the upcoming campaign. Young Clinton Nsiala is more of a project recruit over an instant first-team option, and it remains to be seen how quickly Propper attunes to his first ‘abroad’ experience having spent all these years back in the homeland.
