Rangers finally completed the deal to sign Bongani Zungu on the last day of the transfer window with some confusion over the potential permanent deal.
The Glasgow Times has now revealed how much it will take to sign the 28-year old at the end of his season long loan deal from Amiens after clarity was given over the move from France.
Steven Gerrard had originally been credited with an interest as early as July but various reports surrounding the midfielder’s fitness and the fee that the Ligue 2 side were wanting for the player were credited for causing the deal to collapse – in reality, the biggest reason was Ross Wilson waiting to get the best deal possible for the club.
Zungu signed an extension to his Amiens contract before signing for Rangers on loan which means that rather than being able to offer him a pre-contract deal in January, the Gers will have to offer a fee and the Glasgow Times claims that it will take £2.7million to have first refusal.
The transfer is one that will benefit all parties, the Light Blues have another “quarterback” style midfielder, with the South African similar to Steven Davis in that he can pick a pass from deep to get opposition defences turned in transition, it also means that they get to have a look at a player, with a less than perfect medical history, without too much of an initial outlay.
Is £2.7m a decent fee for Zungu?
Yes
No
The French side knew that Zungu didn’t want to stay in Ligue 2 but by persuading him to sign another contract, they will now get a decent fee and one that, in reality, isn’t over the top for an international player of his pedigree, but something is better than nothing after all.
Rangers fans will be keen to get a glimpse of their newest recruit but the Old Firm battle on Saturday could come a bit too early for him, however, Gerrard could give him his debut as he looks to give his side an element of surprise – one that would be a welcome sight for the Ibrox faithful.