Is there a future at Rangers for Bongani Zungu?
Rangers midfield has benefited massively in recent weeks with the return of Ryan Jack, there has also been progress on Scott Arfield’s injury as well as the pre-contract signing of Nnamdi Ofoborh, but what does it all mean for the prospects of Zungu?
The towering South African international arrived at Ibrox in October from French side Amiens.
“Rangers are delighted to announce the signing of South African internationalist Bongani Zungu on-loan until the end of the season, with the Light Blues holding an option to make the deal permanent next summer.”
The deal works in the Gers favour, it is effectively try before you buy.
With the conversion fee said to be £2.7 million, will Rangers part with that money in the Summer to make Zungu a permanent addition at Ibrox or will it be used elsewhere?
The 28 year-old has made 14 appearances so far this season, but only three starts, two of which were in the League Cup and away to Lech Poznan in the Europa League, when qualification to the knockout stages was already secured.
Over the last couple of months, Zungu has been a trusted option from the bench in most games for Steven Gerrard, but in last night’s victory over St Johnstone, he did not get on to the pitch as the rested Glen Kamara was the first choice midfield reinforcement to be utilised.
With the imminent return of Scott Arfield, this will likely see Zungu fall further down the pecking order, leading to obvious questions on his future.
The South African player has a varied skill-set and has been deployed in games as a protective screen in front of the defence, to retain possession and to get the ball moving.
Turnover
Come the Summer, there will likely be one or two more midfield additions, on top of the incoming Ofoborh.
Will an asset like Kamara be sold? Will there be another season for the impressive Steven Davis, now 36?
The decision will likely come down to finance and if Rangers feel the money can be better spent elsewhere.
£2.7 million is a significant fee for Gerrard to use on a squad option, so Zungu will really need to make the most of his time in the rest of the season to show that he is worth the purchase option that Rangers have available to activate.
If he remains a bit-part player after the title is secured, the omens will not look good.
This one remains to be seen, decent glimpses in his brief game time so far paint an inconclusive picture.