Rangers have been backed to re-sign Florian Kamberi from Hibs later in the transfer window but only if they don’t manage to get players from higher up the list in first.
Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider, feels that the 25-year old impressed Steven Gerrard in his short spell at Ibrox but that they will have other targets that they will want to pursue first.
So what has Hutton said?
When asked about the recent rumours linking the Gers with a cut-price move for Kamberi, he said:
“I think they were talking about £150,000 and in terms of football, even today, it is a bargain.
“I think he came in and did well when he was called upon. If I’m honest, I don’t see it happening right now, I think Rangers will have other targets in mind that they will want to go for.
“I do believe Gerrard trusts him and it’ll be one that could happen later on in the window. If things don’t work out quite the way they planned and he’s available, I think it’s something Rangers would go back and try and do later on.”
So is Hutton correct?
Absolutely, if Rangers and more importantly, Steven Gerrard, wanted Kamberi for next season the deal would already be done as shown by the hate in which deals for Ianis Hagi and Clavin Bassey have been completed.
With Hibs reportedly looking to cut their wage bill and bring in much needed funds, a rumoured fee of just £150,000 – what the Easter Road club paid Grasshoppers in 2018 for him – Kamberi is, as Hutton rightly says, a bargain.
He proved both in the Europa League and domestically that he can make an impact off the bench, a skill that not every player is capable of and his versatility across the front three can’t be under estimated with Rangers looking to have a leaner squad next season.
Gerrard might have to move fast though because at the price being reported, Kamberi will be a target for several clubs and Hull City are already said to have had offers rejected, with the Rangers gaffer predicting “exciting times” ahead for fans, he might already have a better quality player lined up to replace him.