Rangers Join The Race For This Estoril Centre-back: Why They Must Step Up The Chase | OneFootball

If a report from Foot Mercato is believed to be true, Rangers will continue to monitor Kevin Boma ahead of a potential summer transfer. But they are not alone in the hunt, with Swiss champions FC Basel and Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin also keeping close tabs on the Estoril centre-half.

Born in France, the 22-year-old Togo international progressed through the academy ranks of Trois Cités Poitiers, Stade Poitevin and Guingamp before joining the reserves of Tours FC in January 2019.

After a few games in the fifth tier of French football, Boma was roped in by Angers six months later to represent their reserves in the fourth division. He only made one senior Cup appearance for Les Scoïstes during his three-year stint in Pays de la Loire. A Bosman move to Rodez saw him feature 20 times in Ligue 2 over the past couple of campaigns, and the promises exhibited in Le RAF colours earned him a €250k switch to Estoril last summer.

So far, the youngster has played 28 games for the Portuguese side in all competitions. His towering presence in the heart of the backline has impressed the scouts of various European clubs, including the Glasgow giants. With his contract set to expire in June 2028, the Canaries are determined to maximise the profit by setting up a valuation of more than £5m for their prized asset in the upcoming transfer window.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 24: Leon Balogun of Rangers leaves the field after a collision during the SPL | Premier League match between Rangers FC and Ross County FC at Hampden Park on August 24, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Rangers are not blessed to spend millions in the market, but the scenario might change soon if the 49ers Enterprises takeover goes through successfully after months of high-level negotiations. They need significant reinforcements across the pitch. However, the rebuild must begin from the back, having conceded 38 goals, 15 more than the champions Celtic, after 35 Premiership outings.

Why Rangers Should Snap Up Boma

The Light Blues were decimated throughout the season, mostly due to persistent injury problems in deep defence. Although they tied down Robin Propper, Clinton Nsiala, Neraysho Kasanwirjo, and Rafael Fernandes over the past two windows, none of their new signings excelled in the defensive third. Kasanwirjo, on loan from Feyenoord, only played 12 times before sustaining a serious knee injury in December. Nsiala is not ready yet to secure a regular role. Also, forgotten Fernandes has failed to convince Barry Ferguson since his winter loan from Lille.

Both Kasanwirjo and Fernandes might return to their parent clubs, whereas Propper, the experienced Dutch centre-back, could not live up to expectations following a £1.5m move from FC Twente. Leon Balogun will be 37 next month, and despite being the Gers’ most eminent defensive figure, the availability of the Nigerian ace remains a concern at the twilight of his career. Versatile Dujon Sterling slotted in centrally on a few occasions, but he does not hold the towering presence of Balogun or John Souttar.

Boma would be a stellar addition for Rangers, as he has shown his mettle and resoluteness in Portugal. His strong aerial presence, tackling traits and the ball-intercepting ability should see him slot in the Gers’ starting XI irrespective of Ferguson’s Ibrox future beyond this month.