As Abdallah Sima prepares to return from a devastating mid-season injury, it’s easy to understate the impact the Brighton loanee had in the first half of the season.
The Senegalese international, 22, is edging closer to a first-team return after seeing a bright season at Ibrox cut short whilst on AFCON duties.
The fact that Sima – who is yet to make the breakthrough at Brighton since moving to the club from Slavia Prague for north of £6m – was recalled to the Senegal fold was a huge indictment on his progress.
Netting 15 goals in the first half of the season, it’s fair to say without the attacker’s contribution Rangers would not be in the treble-chasing position they find themselves in March.
And – to top if all off – with Abdallah Sima to return for the Ibrox side’s run-in, one leading transfer journalist has told Rangers News that talks over a summer switch are “ongoing”.
Rangers Abdallah Sima discussions with Brighton “ongoing”
In an exclusive interview, Graeme Bailey has been talking to us about Rangers loanee Abdallah Sima and what the future holds for the Brighton attacker.
The journalist believes that Brighton – whose technical director is Rangers Hall of Famer Davie Weir – are very much keeping a close eye on the striker.
But amid doubts regarding his suitability for the Premier League as things stand, Graeme Bailey claims the attacker is in Rangers’ price range and that a move is a distinct possibility.
“The conversations are still ongoing about Abdallah Sima,” said Graeme Bailey. “He’s performed very well, but is he ready for Premier League?
“I’m not sure Brighton think he’s ready, but by the same token does that mean he’s ready to move? He’s in his third loan spell, there’s a very good chance he’ll move.
“He is in Rangers’ price range but Brighton haven’t decided yet. They’re keeping a firm check on him. There are a number of possibilities on the table.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s an extension and another loan and it’s one to keep an eye on but Rangers fans can be rest-assured conversations have been happening.”
Rangers mull over Fabio Silva & Oscar Cortes futures
Speaking of Rangers loan attackers, Graeme Bailey has also been talking to us about Wolves and Lens loanees Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes.
The futures of these two players are certainly a lot less assured and according to the former Mirror and Sky Sports journalist, the plan for now is that Fabio Silva at least goes back to Wolves.
It comes after Fabio Silva admitted earlier in March that if it were up to him, he would absolutely consider extending his stay at Rangers.
“It is incredibly likely that Fabio Silva is going to go back,” said Bailey. “Whilst he’s been playing a lot for Rangers, his situation remains uncertain.
“He is a very expensive player – a Premier League level player – and really he should be taking Scotland by storm. You will be a better judge than me about whether or not that’s been the case.
“Given the finances involved I doubt that he’ll return to Rangers but it’s clear the Gers have ability to bring these players in on loan and are an attractive proposition.
“It could depend on the player’s options upon returning to Wolves and any other interested parties.”
Speaking about Cortes, Bailey said: “There’s a difference between Oscar Cortes and Fabio Silva. Silva was signed to make an immediate impact, Cortes is a project.
“Whether either or both return in the summer will come down to a number of factors, not least Philippe Clement.”
Rangers have a number of loan players at the club whilst several of the club’s highest earners are out of contract in the summer.
Throw into the mix interest in some of the club’s top players and suddenly we could be in for a mini “revolution” in Glasgow this summer.
