Why Rangers should make January return for summer target they were 'keen' to sign - opinion

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The January transfer window is just a matter of weeks away and Philippe Clement will be hoping that one or two holes can be filled for Rangers.

The manager has a squad with a couple of areas that need attention and the international duty injury to Neraysho Kasanwirjo could force his hand.

Nils Koppen listed the winter window as a priority in his new role as technical director, and if the Dutch Under-21 international's knee is seriously injured, Rangers will have to act.

• READ MORE:Neraysho Kasanwirjo makes Rangers teammate 'clashes' claim as Philippe Clement sweats on injury

Rangers could make January return for Bright Osage-Samuel

In terms of immediate options, Kasanwirjo is only on loan from Feyenoord with an option to buy and, with two knee injuries on his record already, a third serious one would (surely) rule him out of any permanent deal. 

Thankfully, Rangers could have a ready made replacement who has been scouted and considered as an option in the past.

Bright Osayi-Samuel is currently out of favour at Fenerbahce and will be able to speak to clubs in January about a pre-contract agreement, Rangers having been “keen” to sign the versatile right-footer in the summer.

Having missed out to the Turks previously, now would be a good time to land an attack minded right-back on a budget.

Osayi-Samuel also has a solid medical history and would have no problem adapting to the British game having spent years in England. 

Why should Rangers sign Osayi-Samuel?

Having started – and interested Rangers – as a winger, Osayi-Samuel fits the profile for the type of experienced player that Clement needs.

If Kasanwirjo is to be sent back to the Netherlands, Dujon Sterling and James Tavernier would be the immediate cover for right-back, but there is no such thing as a bad time to sign a good player when they are available for a cut-price fee.

At 26-years old, Osayi-Samuel could be Rangers long-term answer to a position that was once non-negotiable, but now is up for debate.