Ross Wilson has been busy in the last few weeks for Glasgow Rangers as he has made a host of signings to improve Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad at Ibrox.
The Gers chief has brought in Antonio Colak, Rabbi Matondo, Tom Lawrence, and is on the verge of signing centre-back Ben Davies, after agreeing a pre-contract deal for John Souttar in January.
Rangers have also raked in a considerable amount of money for two of their key players from the 2021/22 campaign, with Calvin Bassey set to join Ajax for £23m and Joe Aribo having already joined Southampton for £10m earlier this month.
Wilson moved swiftly to sign Matondo and Lawrence to strengthen the attacking options at the club in the wake of Aribo’s exit and he will now have to replace what Bassey offered to the team.
The Nigeria international was capable of playing at both left-back and centre-back, whilst maintaining a high level in his performances.
In the Premiership last season, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.97 as he made 29 appearances in the division – playing in both positions.
Calvin Bassey 2.0
Van Bronckhorst could now find the next Bassey at Rangers in a deal to sign Northampton left-back Ali Koiki. The Gers are reportedly keen on a swoop to sign the gem and are battling it out with Derby to land his signature ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
At the age of 22, the Nigerian/English full-back has plenty of years ahead of him in the game and would come in as a player with potential.
He played 44 times in League Two for the Cobblers last term and caught the eye with his play at both ends of the pitch. The gem created five ‘big chances’ for his teammates whilst also winning 59% of his individual duels and making 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game.
His manager, Jon Brady, has claimed that he has “potential” and that he has an “excellent attitude”, which suggests that he has the right mindset to continue developing as he is willing to apply himself in training – impressing his Northampton boss.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he has the ability to make the step up to the Premiership, his form in League Two, his age, and Brady’s comments suggest that he would be a worthwhile gamble for the club to take.
If it all works out and he can produce assists in the final third whilst also winning the ball back on a regular basis at the other end then he could be seen as his fellow countryman’s replacement at left-back.
AND in other news, “I’ve heard”: Journo drops Rangers transfer claim that’ll have Van Bronckhorst worried…
