If a report from Fichajes is believed to be true, Rangers are one of the three European outfits who are keen on Edier Ocampo. Toulouse of France and Hellas Verona of Italy are the other two sides, also, clubs from the MLS have joined the hunt for the Atlético Nacional youngster.
The 20-year-old right fullback progressed through the academy ranks of Sur Oriente and Atlético Nacional before being loaned out to Fortaleza C.E.I.F for the 2022 season. After an impressive stint in the second division, Ocampo cemented a regular role for Los Verdolagas in the top tier of Colombian football.
He was also a target for Union Berlin, but a move to the German Bundesliga did not materialize last summer. However, he is likely to part ways in the coming days after announcing his departure. Gaffer Pablo Repetto left him out of Nacional’s squad for their latest contest against Millonarios – a decision that further signifies an imminent transfer.
Why Rangers Should Snap Him Up Amid Reports Of Tavernier’s Exit
Rangers might part ways with skipper James Tavernier despite Philippe Clement labelling the rumours as ‘fake news‘. Although there is interest from former managers Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the right-back could rather reunite with John Lundstram and Borna Barisic at Trabzonspor ahead of Al-Ettifaq and Besiktas.
Black Sea Storm are expected to return with an improved offer having seen their initial bid rejected by the Light Blues. They roped in Lundstram and Barisic on Bosman upon the expiration of their Ibrox contracts, but the Gers have set a €1m valuation for the 32-year-old Englishman – something the Trabzon side are yet to match.
While the Glasgow giants have replaced Barisic with Jefte from Brazilian hotshots Fluminense, they continue their scouting work in South America amid links with Ocampo. Los Cafeteros U20 international is also effective as a wingback and his pace and prowess in and around the attacking third could see him become a like-for-like replacement for Tavernier in the long run.
The former Leeds and Newcastle United academy ace joined Rangers in 2015 when they were fighting for Premiership promotion. He not only helped them achieve the same but also led the Gers to conquer the coveted crown under Gerrard’s tutelage. The ‘Captain Fantastic’ was inducted into the club’s prestigious ‘Hall of Fame’ and his startling stats of 125 goals and 129 assists in 460 appearances as a fullback remain a rare feat for the game.
Having said that, Tavernier’s shortcomings in defence have often been highlighted. Clement wants to move ahead and could rely on Dujon Sterling who joined last summer as a free agent. The former Chelsea starlet featured as a makeshift ‘number 6’ as well as a wide attacker throughout the previous campaign. But he is tipped to occupy the familiar right-back role with Ocampo being his understudy if a transfer takes place in the due course of time.
