Thomas Galdames is the latest name sending the Rangers fans clacking across their keyboards this summer.
The Chilean defender, 25, is currently plying his trade with Argentine club Godoy Cruz and has reportedly turned the heads of Rangers and teams in Belgium.
Out of contract in six months, Godoy Cruz are expected to cash in imminently with Thomas Galdames likely having just played his final game for the side.
Producing two stunning assists in a Man of the Match performance, it wasn’t a bad send off for the Chile Copa America hopeful.
But whilst there has been some conjecture surrounding where Galdames fits in at Rangers, some comments from the horse’s mouth suggest we could be signing another Calvin Bassey.
Galdames ‘most comfortable’ in specific role
One thing is for certain.
Thomas Galdames is a 6ft left-sided defender.
But whether or not Rangers view the ex-Union Española defender as a centre-back or a left-back has been the cause of much debate.
It’s also had plenty wondering about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz.
But now historic comments from the player himself confirm Galdames’s best position on the park.
Speaking to AS Diario upon arrival at Godoy Cruz the Chilean revealed whereabouts on the pitch he is ‘most comfortable’.
“It happens that the manager believes that I have more characteristics as a wing-back and what he is reinforcing is the defensive part,” said Galdames.
“In the (pre-season)friendlies, of the four we played, they scored only one goal, so defensively we are strong.
“And I feel comfortable: in Chile I played a couple of games as a wing-back, I did well and it doesn’t bother me.
“I feel more comfortable at center back, but if the coach needs me there, I will be happy to do so and I will try to deliver.”
Rangers signing versatile Bassey 2.0
Whilst Thomas Galdames has played at left-back – and did again in Godoy Cruz’s 4-0 send-off – the Chilean is a natural centre-back.
Galdames appears to have the physical profile and the technical skills to switch between the roles and his signing looks a promising option for Rangers.
The club might’ve missed out on left-sided centre-half Jose Cordoba but Galdames is equipped to bolster the centre-back position when required.
On top of that, should interest in Galdames be recognised the Chilean would be another left-back option to compete with Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz in the position.
The situation bears a striking resemblance to that of the influential ball-carrying defender Calvin Bassey, who broke through at Rangers and left on a £23m deal two years later.
Now set to leave Godoy Cruz, Rangers have been linked to an ambitious player with his sights set on bigger and better things.
From the same AS interview, comments from the defender about wanting to make a first-team breakthrough and earn a Chile call-up ring louder than ever.
“(It want to) be a starter on the team, whether at left back or center back, and obviously the goal that everyone sets at the beginning of the year, which is to be champion,” said an ambitious Galdames.
“I’d love to. It is a team that has never won the First Division, so it would be a dream and would remain in the history of the team.
“(I want to) try to establish myself in the starting team to be an option in the national team, which is a dream. I feel that coming here to Argentina is also for that, to grow in every sense and be a little closer to the national team.”
Whilst Godoy Cruz didn’t win the Argentine Primera Division, Galdames did break through into the Godoy first team and is on the brink of a breakthrough with the Chile national side.
Let’s hope he gets the league winners’ medal at Ibrox.
