Rangers long pursuit of Colombian prospect Juan Alegria appears to have come to a successful conclusion with a report that the club have got their man.
Jordan Campbell of The Athletic has reported that a six-figure deal has been agreed with finish side FC Honka to secure the signature of Alegria.
Initially, the player is expected to slot in to David McCallum’s B team with the development side currently embarking on their maiden Lowland League campaign.
19-year-old Colombian striker Juan Alegria set to finalise move to Rangers.
He’s understood to be in the country to complete the deal from Finnish side FC Honka.
Good pedigree at youth level and someone Rangers’ scouting team travelled to watch.https://t.co/kzOoIY0sGE
— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) August 19, 2021
The full picture painted in the report, above, is a fascinating one.
Obvious parallels will be drawn with Alfredo Morelos given the similar paths that both have trodden from their native Colombia, but we also learn of differences in the respective playing styles and personal approach of both players:
“Whereas Morelos is a fiery player whose physicality is a major part of his game, Alegria is a more agile player who is said to be a calm and collected personality.”
“And where Morelos has been known to enjoy himself during the off season Alegria is said by coaches to be very committed to a strict fitness and diet regime.”
Impact
Given the time, effort and resources that Rangers have invested so far, into the capture of Alegria, there will be high hopes for the youth international.
Whilst he will be given time to settle in and find his feet, the Rangers coaches will be looking to accelerate his development with the hope that he can be knocking on the first team door soon enough.
VitalRangers understands that there is growing satisfaction inside the club with the early impact that Charlie McCann has made with the B Team and it is envisaged that the striker signed from Finland can also prosper by hitting the ground running, in a similar vein given the talent possessed.
Expectations will be managed and there is no immediate pressure on Juan Alegria but hopes are high that this will be a very shrewd signing for the Gers.