Old Firm rivals Celtic have reportedly joined Rangers in the race to sign Gijs Smal with the left-back’s contract at Eredivisie outfit FC Twente set to expire in the summer.
The question on the lips of many Celtic supporters, when the reigning Scottish Premiership champions allowed Alexandro Bernabei to join Internacional on the final day of the Brazilian transfer window, was ‘why?’.
Not because Bernabei was a key part of Brendan Rodgers’ plans. Quite the opposite. On the rare occasions in which he did feature, the £4 million benchwarmer struggled at both ends of the pitch.
But with there a lack of other left-back options at Rodgers’ disposal, surely Celtic would not have left Bernabei go without at least a succession plan in place? Well, this is where Gijs Smal comes in, reports from the Netherlands indicating that Rangers may face competition from the green side of Glasgow should Philippe Clement’s side make a move for the 26-year-old Dutchman this summer.
Rangers now face Celtic battle for Gijs Smal
Gijs Smal will be out of contract in July.
Rangers showed an interest in January, per the Rotterdam-based publication 1908, but did not step up their pursuit after opting to retain the in-form Ridvan Yilmaz. The Gers may pick up where they left off in a few months’ time, however, with Borna Barisic also set to become a free-agent.
There is also interest from Feyenoord, Gent, Copenhagen and a Lens side who have made a habit of signing highly talented players in bargain deals. Celtic, the report suggests, appear to have reached out to Smal’s camp in order to indicate the sort of offer they are capable of making.
Smal, who was valued at around £6 million by Twente not so long ago, has endured a difficult and injury-hit campaign in Eschede.
His reputation remains high, however, after producing an Eredivise-best tally of 10 assists in 2022/23. Smal may lack the speed of Yilmaz but he possesses the delivery – particularly from deep areas and set-pieces – befitting a potential Borna Barisic replacement.
Most assists in the Eredivisie last season
“He is an excellent player in the Eredivisie,” says Twente reporter Leon ten Voorde, surprised to see Smal stay put and miss out on a move away during the summer of 2023.
“He provided ten assists last year. Then, you should be able to (get a move) away with a one-year contract at FC Twente. But that somehow didn’t work out.
“Smal is a good player. He is a very technically skilled left-back.”
Rangers are also expected to renew their interest inFluminense’s Jefte Vital. Philippe Clement’s side agreed terms with the Copa Libertadores champions but could not free Jefte from his loan deal at APOEL Nicosia.
