By now, the transfer stategy at Rangers is in place and slowly coming to fruition.
Shrewd purchases of the likes of Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, Borna Barisic, Joe Aribo and Connor Goldson. Players either on the fringes in England, with talent to nourish and develop or those from around Europe with a bit more work to do, maybe taking a chance on a rough diamond.
The financial realities in the SPFL obviously mean that Rangers are limited in terms of transfer fee outlay and wages.
However, the name of Santos Borre raises a question and a debate in order to consider how Rangers can rise to the next level and become a ‘Champions League level’ team.
At first glance, Borre is out of reach given his strong pedigree and £13.5m valuation.
However, the River Plate striker is out of contract this summer and his situation shows the space that Ross Wilson and his scouting department need to target to raise the bar at Ibrox.
In the excellent full article considering potential replacements for the front line at Ibrox, Patrick Caskie runs the rule over the Colombian international and ponders what would be a clear marquee signing.
“One Colombian in and one out (Alfredo Morelos) in this instance may be the way to go for Rangers this summer.”
“Rafael Santos Borre currently plays for River Plate, previously enjoying spells at Atletico Madrid and Villarreal in Spain.”
“Borre is strictly a centre-forward who under Marcelo Gallardo has mainly played with a partner in a two up top.”
“He has all the capabilities expected of a top-level South American footballer, with excellent ball control and dribbling.”
In terms of his ability as a striker, he has fantastic positioning which often results in easy finishes for the Colombian.”
“Borre has spent the majority of his career at the top level and at clubs which demand success especially River and Atletico.”
“The question shouldn’t be, should Rangers sign him? but rather, can Rangers sign him?”
“If he is to leave at the end of his contract Rangers won’t be able to offer him the most lucrative pay packet or the highest standard of league, but we can hope.”
Ambition
Unfortunately, the player will have many lucrative options available, at a level greater than the Scottish Premiership.
It would be an unlikely coup, but anything can happen in football. What it does show, is the direction that Rangers should take, in line with increased revenues and a sensible overall recruitment policy, which is what is in progress at present.
With the right profile and status, high ability Bosman-type deals with increased wages can work for the club.
The impact of the pandemic will affect planning and growth but it is important to aim high and keep striving, within reach.
This could perhaps be a reflection of the Ajax model, where a conveyor belt of home-grown talent is supplemented by solid domestic players and imported quality that comes at a price.
In recent years, the Dutch champions have reaped the benefit of improving and selling the likes of Donny van de Beek, Hakim Ziyech, Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong.
This allows them to stabilise and spend money when it is needed in a full working model that clubs like Rangers must aspire to.
