Four Through The Door For Rangers This Week?

Michael Beale has already made three signings this summer in Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland. Could four more signings come through the door for Rangers this week?

Reports have suggested the ‘Gers are close to completing deals for Jose Cifuentes, Sam Lammers, Jonathan Panzo and Cyriel Dessers. These deals would represent a hefty outlay and signal of intent from the club. Seven signings on the week that the window officially opens shows Michael Beale means business.

Let’s look at the four individuals and the latest update on their futures.

Jose Cifuentes

Fans have been excited about this one since the link first emerged. An exciting number eight style 24-year-old South American midfielder was also going to hype up fans.

Then if you add in the fact that he’s been previously linked to multimillion pound moves to clubs like Brighton, how could you not be excited? He’s an all round box to box midfielder. Literally, the epitome of a number eight and will be a welcome addition to the Rangers midfield.

The latest update came from Chris Jack on June 6th when he said this regarding the deal;

The Ecuadorian is poised to quit Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC and is expected to jet in for a medical sooner rather than later to add further strength to the Ibrox midfield.

Chris Jack, The Herald.

As of yesterday, he was still involved in the LAFC team, starting their 4-0 drubbing against Houston. Most outlets are reporting the players agreement has already been done, the clubs just need to sort out the fee.

With the midfielder so keen for the move it may push LAFC to sort the deal out sooner rather than later. He is one signing I’m hugely excited for and hopefully he’s confirmed this week.

Read more on Jose Cifuentes here.

Sam Lammers

It’s fair to say the Dutchmen had caused quite a stir on Rangers Twitter. Five domestic goals over the last three seasons had fans scratching their head. Especially with the reported £3m price tag.

He was a very promising youngster in Holland and Atalanta paid €8m for him in 2020. Atalanta, famously, don’t miss often with their transfer so obviously seen something in Lammers.

He’s also been at PSV and had a loan spell at Frankfurt. Those are two other teams who are renowned for their excellent recruitment. He had knee surgery not long before his move to Italy and has never regained his goal scoring touch.

He’s been in and out of starting elevens and plenty of his appearances have been off of the bench. Watching him though, he’s 6’2 and technically excellent, definitely not a target man. He possesses a great first touch and surprisingly good dribbling ability. He’s left footed but comfortable on either and could be a really interesting forward option.

Michael Beale obviously sees something in him and is keen to bring him to Ibrox. Another Chris Jack exclusive provided the latest on this one;

But it is an agreement for Lammers that could be signed and sealed first following positive talks with Atalanta in recent days over a potential £3million switch.

Beale has identified Lammers as one of the additions to add guile and goals to his forward line and Rangers are keen to see the 26-year-old put pen-to-paper.

Chris Jack, The Herald

This one definitely seems like it could get confirmed this week as Beale moves quickly to get his targets in as soon as possible.

Read more on Sam Lammers here.

Jonathan Panzo

Late on Saturday night, the Daily Record report that Rangers were closing in on a £2.5m move for the Nottingham Forest defender. The 22-year-old has experience in France, Belgium and the English Championship.

He came through the Chelsea academy and worked with Michael Beale there. Because of that, the Daily Record article claims Rangers are the front runners. West Brom and Coventry have also shown interest but his relationship with Beale has Rangers as favourites to land him.

The centre back impressed on loan at Coventry this season, minus a five minute period in the play-off final. Everyone has off moments though and it’s unfair to judge him on that when he was so good the rest of the season. He plays very similarly to Ben Davies, he’s left footed and comfortable on the ball, who also loves the same switch of play that Davies does most games. A very positive centre back, who’s also capable of filling in at left back, he’s the type of modern day centre back Rangers need.

At just £2.5m for a 22-year-old with his level of experience, this could be a bargain for Rangers. If he continues developing the way he has, this could be another effective player trading model type of deal for the club.

Read more on Jonathan Panzo here.

Cyriel Dessers

Last week Italian publication Calcio Mercato claimed Rangers were closing in on a €4.2m plus €1m add-ons move for Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers. The 28-year-old Nigerian international is looking for a transfer away following the Lombardy clubs relegation. Rangers currently seem the most likely destination, with the Italian media claiming that’s very keen on the move.

A striker with experience in Belgium, The Netherlands and Italy he would come in to make an instant impact. Six goals in a poor Serie A is nothing to be ashamed of. The season before he was also the top goal scorer in the Europa Conference League and made the team of the tournament. He’s scored everywhere he’s been and I don’t doubt that would continue with Rangers.

He’s a strong physical presence up top who uses his body really well to hassle and turn defenders. Out of position he’s excellent at pressing the back line and forcing defenders into mistakes, he could really thrive in this Michael Beale system. He’s not afraid of the physical battle which is necessary for the SPFL and his European experience could be key to helping Rangers progress this season.

There have been some reservations regarding his age but Rangers need to win now and Dessers could definitely help with that. Capable of playing on his own or in a pairing, he represents a real quality option as a striker and one I would be excited for.

How Likely Are These Four For Rangers?

Talks seem to be positive regarding are four transfer targets, whether they get confirmed this week or not is another thing. The latest update reports on all the individuals suggest that the players have agreed terms, it’s just up to the clubs now. These four transfer would represent a significant spend for Rangers, as the rumours fees would take this summers spending to close to £10m.

It’s great to see that Michael Beale is being backed by the board. I, for one, am very excited at the prospect of these four signings. They may not all represent players who will make the club huge profit in the future. What they do represent though, is a lot of quality added to the first 11 and bench.

How do you feel about these targets? Who are you most excited for?