According to sources who spoke to Football Insider, Rangers won’t likely be able to afford to sign Abdallah Sima permanently in the summer unless they make it into the Champions League.
Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke disclosed to Football Insider’s Insider Track Podcast that the attacker, who suffered a catastrophic injury during the African Cup of Nations, may have played his final game for the Gers.
The parent club of Sima, Brighton, is rumored to seek a summer transfer cost of at least £15 million, which may be much beyond Rangers’ means unless they go past the Champions League group stages.
The 22-year-old sustained a thigh injury during AFCON training with Senegal, and Philippe Clement has said he will miss time “long term.”
He might be sidelined for the rest of the season as a result of the significant setback for the Ibrox giants.
With 15 goals in 35 appearances this season, he leads Rangers in scoring in all competitions and has played a significant role in the team’s comeback since Clement’s arrival.
Brighton would be willing to sell Sima because they have several elite attacking options at their disposal and he does not fit into their long-term ambitions, as disclosed by Football Insider on December 31.
After Rangers’ 1-0 victory over St Mirren on the road on Saturday, January 27, they are now ranked second in the Scottish premier league.
Their next game is this Saturday afternoon (3 February) at Ibrox versus Livingston.
Deal concurred that Clement had “high expectations” as Rangers finalize their new deal.
