Ross Wilson gave an interesting insight into the activities that go on behind the scenes for both player pathways from the academy and the current transfer strategy at Ibrox.
In a question and answer session he spoke about a targeted approach and identifying players who fit the profile, as well as adding value to Steven Gerrard’s squad and one man who could benefit from this is Bongani Zungu.
The South African international made an instant impression on Gers fans after a 45 minute cameo against Hamilton last weekend, yes, the level of opposition has to be considered, however, this doesn’t alter the fact that his full repertoire of passing was as impressive as it was varied.
The Sporting Director spoke about the profile of the squad and how it has changed since he arrived, no longer taking a scatter gun approach to signing players – his answer to Vital Rangers question about transfer structure confirmed that he will only sign players who have been thoroughly assessed and analysed.
Specific to Zungu’s case, Wilson made it clear that a pre-contract signing or a loan deal with an option to buy are transfer nirvana, reducing the gamble involved in such a financial outlay and the 28-year old certainly fits that scenario, especially when you consider the profile of the midfield.
Even if you loosely categorise Rangers five first-team midfielders into developing, peak and veteran, it’s clear to see where we need to add – Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara are hugely talented players who are on an upward curve, Ryan Jack is hitting his best years and Scott Arfield and Steven Davis are into the twilight years despite the level they are currently operating at, we need more in terms of midfielders at their peak.
If Zungu continues in the same vein that he started, there is every chance he could be the zero risk option that Wilson is so keen to acquire, an established international with experience of one of Europe’s top leagues – all without breaking the bank – an option to buy of £2.7million – if reports are to be believed.