Reported Rangers Target ‘In The Dark’ Amid Transfer Rumours: Why The Light Blues Must Step Up The Chase

A recent transfer update from Sky Sports News revealed that Rangers were keeping close tabs on Tuur Rommens ahead of a potential January move. But the Westerlo left-back seemed to be in the dark when asked about the rumours, as he denied the report, citing his lack of awareness about the matter.

“I don’t know anything about any transfer to Rangers. We’ll have to wait and see.”

Told the defender (as quoted by The Scottish Sun) following their 2-0 defeat against Gent a couple of days back.

The 22-year-old Belgium youth international had his time in the academy ranks of FC Zwaneven and Westerlo before being snapped up by Genk, initially for their U19s. Although he was a regular for their reserves, limited senior minutes led to a return to Westerlo in the summer of 2023.

Rangers target Rommens in action for Belgium U19s
VANTAA, FINLAND – MARCH 26: Tuur Rommens of Belgium competes for the ball against Anton Kande of Germanyduring the UEFA Under19 European Championship Qualifier match between Belgium U19 and Germany U19 at Myyrmäki Stadium on March 26, 2022 in Vantaa, Finland. (Photo by Ville Vuorinen/Getty Images)

Rommens has since featured 79 times for the Campine roosters, including 14 games so far this season as a first-team regular. He is valued at around £3.5m, and Rangers, with no designated left fullback except for Jayden Meghoma, should step up the chase for the emerging Belgian.

The Light Blues have bounced back under Danny Rohl, overcoming the catastrophic 123-day managerial stint of Russell Martin. Their summer business has also been criticised, leading to the dismissal of chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell. They let an array of top names depart, but failed rope in quality alternatives before the window was slammed shut.

Why Rangers Must Bring In A New Left-back

The left-back spot was no exception, with Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz allowed to leave for Palmeiras and Besiktas, respectively. They should have brought two names, considering the fixture congestion with little scope for experiments. Instead, the management ended up with 19-year-old Meghoma on a season-long loan from Brentford.

Despite the youngster’s impressive run of form, the Gers should look for stability, given the uncertainty over Meghoma’s availability beyond this season. He has impressed with his maturity and balance between attack and defence; however, the club are one injury away from fielding Max Aarons or Dujon Sterling as makeshifts with no like-for-like replacement on hand.

Rommens is known for his strong dribbling, crossing and overlapping runs from the left-hand flank. He would also fit in as a wing-back if Rohl switches to a ‘back three’ formation, but Rangers’ interest needs to intensify if they wish to bolster the squad to stay relevant in the title race with Celtic and Hearts.