The future of Fashion Sakala at Rangers looks increasingly uncertain. Yet to play a single minute of competitive action and behind a host of players in the pecking order, it looks as though he will have to leave Ibrox if he is to see more regular game time.
Despite a respectable 12 goals and seven assists last season from 18 starts and 50 appearances in total – a goal or assist every 114 minutes – he has found himself out of the picture, however, it may be that resolution could be found before the transfer window shuts, as reported by The Daily Express:
“Rangers are set to be tested with a move from Burnley for Fashion Sakala and it is understood the Championship side are ready to offer £3million.
“There is major uncertainty over Sakala this season given the recruitment that Gio van Bronckhorst has made this summer with the capture of Antonio Colak and attackers Rabbi Matondo, Malik Tillman and Tom Lawrence as well as the return of Alfredo Morelos with Kemar Roofe also to come back in the coming weeks.”
Having signed Sakala on a free transfer, he has more than made a contribution last season in terms of value for money but, if he isn’t fancied by the current management team, then we have to cash in and £3m would allow us to reinvest in a suitable replacement or to strengthen somewhere else in the squad.
The Zambian international, only a week ago, confirmed that there has been interest but that a short term move is out of the question, as told to Football Scotland:
“I’m very happy to be here. I know about the talks, but I don’t think I can go on loan.
“There is no need for me to go loan because my first season was not bad. It was my adaptation season, but I scored 12 goals in all competitions.
“If I hadn’t got a chance last season or didn’t score any goals I’d have said, ‘OK, I need to move’.
“It could have been better last season, but I was mostly on the bench and coming on all the time is difficult, so I’m not looking at loan moves.
“The club had a meeting with my agent and the coach said he wants me to be part of the club. I’m expecting a meeting with him soon to hear his views. I’m looking forward to that.”
It’s not uncommon for a player to be signed and then a change of management means that they are no longer required and it would appear that this is where Sakala finds himself. Preferred as a winger by Van Bronckhorst, the 25-year old is more comfortable playing through the middle, however, his style just doesn’t suit our current system.
This could be one that goes right up to the final days of the window but, if the last couple of weeks are anything to go by, I’d be surprised if Sakala is still here when it shuts.