Rangers Had Bid Rejected For This Midfielder: Why van Bronckhorst Should Not Give Up The Chase | OneFootball

Rangers have roped in four new names so far this summer but, at the same time, failed to retain Joe Aribo, who left for Southampton.

They are now pursuing a new midfielder to restore stability in the middle of the park. According to France Football journalist Nabil Djellit (cited by the Daily Record), Charleroi have rejected the Light Blues’ bid for their Algerian playmaker Adem Zorgane.

The 22-year-old youngster progressed through the academy ranks of Paradou AC back in his homeland before breaking into their senior side four years ago. An impressive spell in the Algerian Ligue Professionnelle 1 grabbed the attention of the Belgian outfit, and they secured his services last summer. He featured 36 times in the Zebras’ colours and depicted his creative spark with three goals and six assists across competitions.

Zorgane represented The Fennec Foxes at various youth levels until he made his senior debut last September. The midfielder is now a regular in the centre of the pitch, and his emergence resulted in an apparent two-horse race for his signature with Toulouse also keen along with Rangers.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – OCTOBER 21: Referee Fran Jovic slips as Joe Aribo of Rangers drives forward during the UEFA Europa League group A match between Rangers FC and Brondby IF at Ibrox Stadium on October 21, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images). The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/) and Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/).

The Gers, however, have failed with their initial attempt. Their offer has been turned down as ‘insufficient’, and the midfielder’s contract extension (until June 2027) earlier this month has put the Glasgow giants on the back foot in terms of a transfer chase.

Although they have ample midfield options in their ranks, Aribo’s exit is a significant blow, given his flexibility across the pitch. Despite being a holding midfielder, the Nigeria international slotted in as a ‘number 10’, wide attacker, as well as ‘False 9’ during the injury absence of Kemar Roofe and Alfredo Morelos.

Why They Should Consider Another Bid

While the Gers must stay patient to find a suitable replacement for the Super Eagles sensation, a player of Zorgane’s profile holds all the traits to emulate Aribo’s success in the long run. Predominantly a ‘number 8’, the young Algerian has also been effective as a deep-lying playmaker thanks to his strong physique, vision and game-reading attributes.

Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, two of Rangers‘ midfield veterans, penned new deals to extend their Ibrox stint. John Lundstram and Ryan Jack formed a lethal partnership as the ‘double pivot’ under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, whereas the likes of Glen Kamara and James Sands have been commanding in their respective roles.

The Europa League runners-up have missed out on Angelo Fulgini, who preferred a move to Mainz, and it remains to be seen whether they reignite interest for the Algerian playmaker in the coming days.