Wing king Rangers were in 'advanced talks' with sees possible Philippe Clement Bosman steal thunder
Yesterday at 05:00 AM
Rangers fans were left frustrated when the transfer window closed with Philippe Clement fully aware that he didn't have all the quality he would have wanted.
The only out and out winger brought in was Vaclav Cerny, and even he was just signed on loan from Wolfsburg with no obligation or option to buy.
Transfer deadline day threatened to get exciting when Southampton wide man Samuel Edozie was in advanced talks with Rangers, however, the Ibrox outfit pulled the plug.
Rangers could make it fourth time lucky for Francis Amuzu
Now on loan at Anderlecht instead, Edozie's most recent performance saw him replaced, and outdone after they made two assists, by another former Rangers target who could be on the market soon.
Francis Amuzu was first linked to Rangers in 2019 when he was watched by scouts, but there was also interest reported in 2021 and 2022.
With pace, goals and assists, the 25-year old flyer has been touted for several big money moves away from the Royals over the years but is now approaching the last six months of his contract – the club are rumoured to have an option for another year though.
Given Rangers need for proven quality in wide areas and not having a big budget, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the interest rekindled and Clement return to a league he will be fully aware of.
The late move for Edozie was all but signed and sealed, media outlets were reporting it as being a done deal in Scotland.
Then, it emerged that it was off, with Rangers pulling the plug.
Why did Rangers move for Edozie fall through?
At such a late stage, Rangers would have known what finances they had available, but when Southampton manager Russell Martin explained why the transfer collapsed, a few eyebrows were raised:
"What frustrated me was how late it fell through, and it wasn't on our end," Martin said when asked why that Rangers switch failed to materialise.
"It's a bit unfair to Sam really. It's a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window. I was gutted for Sam because it was too late to then find another opportunity to go and play football."
"He'll get to work like everyone else now. Get his head down, work really hard and try and get himself into the squad and into the team."
