Guillem Balague suggests attacker set for surprise transfer amid reports of Rangers 'approach'
07/02/2024 08:00 AM
Latin America is one region which has been identified by Rangers as an area of transfer expansion.
Only, if recent reports are to be believed then things haven't always gone to plan for the Ibrox side in South America to date.
The signing of Brazilian left-back Jefte at the end of his contract with Fluminense, and discussions over Colombian side FC Millonarios before moving for Oscar Cortes, stand as the Belgian's Latin American success stories.
Whilst Panamanian defender Jose Cordoba opted to join Norwich City, we'll have to wait and see how reported pursuits of Thomas Galdames (Godoy Cruz) and Damian Garcia (Peñarol) pan out.
But in the meantime, it turns out another name from South America who was linked at the beginning of the year isn't likely to join Rangers.
Langoni lines up transfer switch
Rangers fans might remember Boca Juniors winger Luca Langoni being linked to Rangers back before the January transfer window.
The Argentina attacker was reportedly the subject of an 'approach' from Rangers ahead of the winter window as Clement and Koppen looked to bolster the club's attack.
As it transpired Rangers moved for Oscar Cortes with reports at the time suggesting Boca wanted any buying club to activate Langoni's £13m release clause.
Naturally, this would've kicked Rangers out of the running.
But amid links to the likes of Fulham in the Premier League, AS Roma in Serie A and Sevilla in La Liga, Luca Langoni appears to be closing in on a move elsewhere.
According to Guillem Balague, the 22-year-old Argentine is closing in on a move to the MLS with New England Revolution in 'advanced negotiations'.
But if for whatever reason the winger cannot join up with ex-Rangers star Matt Polster in New England, Real Salt Lake are waiting in the wings.
Two unnamed clubs in Spain are also said to be monitoring the situation.
There's no mention of Rangers, though.
Rangers need attacking reinforcements
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has suggested that the club have already moved for the young players they needed to bolster the squad this summer.
Hinting that experience is now the order of the day as the window enters phase two, it would suggest Luca Langoni is not on the club's summer shopping list.
That's not to say Rangers couldn't use him.
The Ibrox side are three attackers down with Fabio Silva (Wolves loan ended), Abdallah Sima (Brighton loan ended) and Kemar Roofe (end of contract) all moving on.
To date, Rangers haven't replaced any of them.
With Cyriel Dessers also being linked with a move to Greece, we suspect this might be an area of investment in the weeks ahead.
In fact, reports are suggesting that one new striker signing could be announced imminently.
