Steven Gerrard’s number one priority in the current transfer window was always going to be about improving the starting XI and, as yet, Rangers fans haven’t seen any faces through the door that fit that profile, however, all that could be about to change with the arrival of Bongani Zungu from League 1 side, Amiens, according to The Daily Record.
The South African international is widely expected to arrive this week and put pen to paper on a long-term deal with Rangers paying around £3.5million to secure his services if the Record’s sources are accurate.
Gerrard has faced stiff opposition to secure the player who is capable of playing as both a deep lying and box-to-box midfielder with both Celta Vigo and Strasbourg said to be interested, but it is the 27-year old’s love of all things Liverpool that seems to have given the Gers the edge in the chase for Zungu.
The 24-cap Bafana Bafana star has been vocal of his desire to leave relegated Amiens and recently spoke of his need to seek a new challenge:
“I almost left in January, and the club understands and they know that I’m looking to spread my wings, to get a new challenge, and to be honest I’m ready for that.”
He was nearly on his way to La Liga to sign for Real Mallorca only for Amiens to pull out of the deal with Zungu disappointed at how the deal collapsed:
“I negotiated personal terms with the club. I was happy. Everybody was happy and the next thing I was on a flight back to Spain. We were just waiting for a go-ahead from Amiens. Then it all changed.”
Despite similarities with Ryan Jack, Zungu offers a more direct alternative in midfield, always looking to play the ball forwards and be involved in the build up of attacks, qualities that no doubt attracted him to Gerrard as he looks for the extra spark and creativity that could drive his side to title number 55 and a place in the history books.