Rangers recruitment team could be busy over the next few months, not only will Ross Wilson be hoping to tie up a contract or two but Michael Beale will want to see his first XI strengthened as well.
Forward planning is the most pressing concern, midfield in particular needs urgent attention, and against Hibernian our lack of an out an out defensive midfielder who can dictate the tempo of a game was exposed once again. Steven Davis coming on to shore things up isn’t an option we will have forever.
John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara are all good players but they looked like square pegs in round holes in the first half and it may be that a recent transfer link is with one eye on addressing this issue.
The Sun has claimed that Rangers are looking to beat of competition from the likes of Braga and secure the signing of one of Portugal’s most wanted:
“Rangers are interested in a £500k move for Angolan rising star Benedito Mambuene Mukendi.
“The 20-year-old midfielder currently plays in Portugal’s second tier for Trofense, and is considered one of the most talented players in the division.
“Born in Angola’s capital Luanda, he arrived in Portugal at the age of 18, and has spent the last three seasons raising eyebrows, especially in cup competitions.
“Nicknamed “Beni”, his contract is up next summer and Rangers are among several top European sides casting their eye over the player.”
This is the sort of target that excites me, not because I know anything about the player but that because it shows we are casting our net further afield than we have before.
Interesting data profile for Mukendi, which is fairly similar to Glen Kamara but moreso ex Dundee Utd Jeando Fuchs. Braga’s interest is positive from a Talent ID pov. OOC in June, so he should be very cheap. https://t.co/FJEQPtCYRz pic.twitter.com/loIbtl7z0m
— Patrick Caskie (@patrickcaskie) December 16, 2022
Playing in Portugal’s second tier, you would like to think that Mukendi is being scouted by the analytics team and in person, Braga have a decent record in terms of player trading so that is another nod in the right direction.
Whether or not Mukendi is a target remains to be seen but a 20 year old rising star of Portuguese football is much more of an eye catching proposition than a 32-year old currently in MLS.