Good players that are available on pre-contract deals will always be in demand and Rangers latest recruit – Fashion Sakala – is no different.
Speaking on Zambian radio station Q-FM and reported by The Daily Record, Sakala revealed just how competitive the race for his signature was with Steven Gerrard fighting off a host of top league teams:
“Honestly, I had a lot of options. I had teams in the Premier League, three teams from England. I had two teams from France, in Ligue 1.
“I also had a lot of options from Spain, in La Liga.
“But before making any decision, I always pray. And God showed me the direction to choose Rangers.
“I believe that’s the best decision that I’ve made. I believe it is the right decision because looking at how Rangers play, I will fit in quickly.
“The kind of style they play is almost the same way I play, and also how the coach explained he wants me to play is exactly how I play.”
Again, the “Steven Gerrard factor” seems to have paid dividends in persuading Sakala to turn down opportunities in top five leagues, qualifying for the Champions League won’t have done any harm either.
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It’s also encouraging that the 24-year old has been sold on how we play and how his attributes will fit into our system and tactics. Michael Beale spoke about needing players to take us to the “next level” and there is a reason Sakala was in demand, hopefully God has done us a favour.