Rangers Eyeing A Summer Swoop For This Experienced Defender: Smart From The Gers? | OneFootball

The official announcement of the much-anticipated takeover by the Andrew Cavenagh-led 49ers enterprise is expected to mark a new dawn at Rangers, following years of turmoil and despair. While the search is on for the vacant managerial position, the club are already making moves for summer reinforcements and closing in on Almamy Toure on a Bosman; Africa Foot understands.

The 29-year-old defender progressed through the academy ranks of Espérance Sportive de Stains, Bourget FC and Monaco before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad back in 2015. However, he mostly featured sporadically for the Ligue 1 giants and was eventually roped in by Eintracht Frankfurt for €750k four years later. Despite being handed a bit-part role due to form and fitness woes, Toure was deployed from the right of then-Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner’s three-man defence in the Eagles‘ 2021-22 UEFA Europa League final victory against Rangers.

SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 18: Joe Aribo of Rangers is challenged by Makoto Hasebe and Almamy Toure of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Europa League final match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on May 18, 2022 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

But the Mali international was released by them a year later, and after spending around five months without a club, he was snapped up by the 2.Bundesliga outfit 1. FC Kaiserslautern. The Gers’ interest could now see him complete another free transfer, even though he only made 9 appearances last season in all competitions.

Why Signing Toure Will Be A Calculated Risk For Rangers

The Light Blues have parted ways with Leon Balogun upon the expiration of his Ibrox contract, whereas Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes have returned to their parent clubs after failed loan stints. They need options and experience in the defensive third, having been decimated throughout the campaign due to persistent injury problems, and the likely arrival of Toure should restore the parity to some extent.

Yet his injuries and lack of gametime over the years must be considered before securing his services. His availability for nothing minimises the risk, but the Light Blues should opt for further reinforcements in deep defence, irrespective of Toure’s signing.

James Tavernier has always been vulnerable at the back, but his numbers in attack have drastically dropped in the recent past. Robin Propper has struggled to attune to the aggression and demands of Scottish football; also, Clinton Nsiala needs more minutes with the reserves before claiming a first-team status. Dujon Sterling has shown flexibility across the backline but has missed out on months of action through injuries.

Toure, on the other hand, would offer versatility given his adaptability both as a right fullback and centre-half. He has played in some of the top leagues of Europe, and his experience at the highest level could see him secure a key status alongside John Souttar. The congestion of fixtures demands depth, and recruiting the Malian would offer the same regardless of who they appoint as Philippe Clement’s permanent successor.