We really hope Rangers £5M transfer target doesn’t change his mind | OneFootball

We can’t say we’re massively thrilled with the latest Rangers defensive link as Nobel Mendy’s transfer to Rangers mills. We weren’t exactly buzzing about Emmanuel Fernandez either — and clearly neither is Russell Martin, because the guy hasn’t started once. John Souttar and Nasser Djiga have kept their places. Against Plzen that pairing actually worked, even if the cohesion still needs work. Both played well.

We were happy enough with Djiga from the start because his CV was strong. He looked like someone ready to play for Rangers and his pedigree proved it. But Nobel Mendy? This one doesn’t scream yes. Two appearances for Real Betis is hardly the highest standard, and that’s pretty much the lot for his career so far. He’s not Djiga — who came with a league winner’s medal from Red Star Belgrade and 14 Champions League appearances.

The good news is he seems to have said ‘yes’ instead to transfer rivals Rayo Vallecano and won’t be coming to Ibrox, but there’s still a chance those media reports are wrong. Nobel Mendy’s transfer to Rangers appears off.

The reality is if he comes here, Mendy will cost plenty. Reports quote £5 million as his price, but one thing works in his favour — he’s a lefty. He can play left-back or left-sided centre-back, and Rangers are badly lacking in that department. Jefte isn’t good enough. He did okay against Plzen, but okay isn’t enough. Ridvann is likely off, with Martin confirming talks with other clubs. Robbie Fraser hasn’t convinced. Birmingham have stalled the move for Ben Davies, and he’s nowhere near the level needed anyway.

So yes, Rangers need a left-sided defender. But we’re not convinced Mendy is the answer. Djiga worked because his CV said he would. Same for Oliver Antman. Both proved their quality instantly. Fernandez? Not so much of a shiny CV. Rothwell? The jury is out on his and his contribution. Time and again it’s clear: if the CV is impressive, the performances usually match. If it’s not, they rarely do.

Maybe Mendy will be the exception. We always hope we’re wrong when we criticise Rangers’ prospective signings — sometimes we are. Gassama is maybe the surprise this time, a player we weren’t excited about but who’s started well. Hopefully he keeps that up. If Mendy comes in, we can only hope he’s a lot better than his record suggests.