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LATEST TRANSFER BOMBSHELL: Rangers make contact to sign “highly-rated” star who could be Bassey 2.0
Rangers Bounce Back With Win, But Premiership Title Looks Out of Reach
Glasgow Rangers secured a 3-1 victory over St Johnstone at Ibrox over the weekend, but the Premiership title appears to be slipping out of reach for Philippe Clement’s side.
While the three points were vital, the atmosphere at the club is becoming increasingly toxic. After 55 minutes of play, the Union Bears walked out in protest against the board, casting a shadow over the win.
New CEO Patrick Stewart has thrown his support behind Clement, confirming that the Belgian will remain in charge throughout the transfer window.
With potential signings expected, who is Clement looking to bring to the club?
Rangers Eye Championship Defender Hjalmar Ekdal
Swedish outlet Expressen reports that Rangers are among several clubs interested in Burnley defender Hjalmar Ekdal, with a loan move being discussed. Several Championship and Italian clubs are also vying for his signature, meaning Rangers face stiff competition.
The report adds that Clement and his staff have already made contact with Burnley about a potential loan deal, which could help alleviate the club’s ongoing defensive issues.
It wouldn’t be the first time Rangers have signed a defender from England. If Ekdal’s impact is anything like that of Calvin Bassey, who moved from England in 2020, Clement may have just found a gem.
Why Ekdal Could Be Rangers’ Version of Calvin Bassey
Calvin Bassey joined Rangers in the summer of 2020 with little fanfare. Initially playing a peripheral role, the Nigerian was limited to just 15 appearances in his first season. However, with a defensive injury crisis, Bassey stepped up and became a key figure in the following season, playing 50 games, reaching the Europa League final, and winning the Scottish Cup.
His rapid rise led to a £23m move to Ajax, setting a club-record sale. While Ekdal is expected to join on loan, he could make a similar impact, arriving from Burnley and quickly establishing himself in the team.
The 26-year-old has played just 19 games for Burnley since his arrival two years ago, but his previous stint at Djurgarden in Sweden was highly successful. In his final season with the club, Ekdal scored three goals and recorded impressive statistics, including an 88% pass success rate, winning 61% of duels per game, and averaging 1.2 tackles per match.
Vincent Kompany has praised Ekdal as an “intelligent” and “mobile” defender, qualities that could make him well-suited for Scottish football.
The key factor will be getting Ekdal fully fit. If Clement can ensure the defender is match-ready and plays a prominent role for the remainder of the season, a loan deal would seem like a no-brainer.
If Ekdal can replicate Bassey’s swift success, Rangers could have another star on their hands.
