Rangers Transfer News – January 30 Update
As the January transfer window nears its deadline, Rangers have had a relatively quiet window in terms of signings. Despite expectations of several additions—especially in defense due to injuries—the club has brought in only one player so far, Rafael Fernandes. However, multiple departures have taken place, and further exits are likely before the deadline.
Departures
Rabbi Matondo – Loan Move to Hannover 96
Rabbi Matondo looks to have finally secured an exit from Rangers, following the collapse of his proposed move to Coventry City earlier in the window. Ajax were linked with the Welsh winger earlier today after reports emerged that the Dutch giants were “charmed” by his abilities. However, Matondo has instead been spotted in Germany, reportedly holding talks near Hannover 96’s stadium.
According to German outlet Bild, Matondo is now in discussions with Hannover 96 regarding a potential deal. If the move goes through, the 24-year-old will be heading back to Germany, having previously played for Schalke 04 and FC St. Pauli.
Kieran Dowell, Robbie Fraser, and Cole McKinnon – Loan Departures
Rangers have also loaned out Kieran Dowell, while academy products Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon have left the club on temporary deals. The club is still open to further departures before Monday night’s transfer deadline.
Glen Kamara – Saudi Arabia Move in the Works?
Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara could be set for a big-money move to Saudi Arabia, despite only moving to Rennes from Leeds United in the summer. Fabrizio Romano has reported that talks are underway between Rennes and Al Shabab, with Middlesbrough also keeping an eye on the situation. Kamara’s move to France has not gone as planned, and a switch to Saudi Arabia could now be on the cards.
Potential Arrivals
Bobby Clark – Rangers Revive Interest in Ex-Liverpool Midfielder
Rangers are reportedly back in the race to sign Bobby Clark, just six months after he left Liverpool for RB Salzburg in a £6 million deal.
Clark was a target for Rangers last summer, but he opted to join the Austrian champions instead. However, things have not gone as smoothly as expected for the 19-year-old midfielder, with Salzburg struggling in the Austrian Bundesliga and undergoing managerial changes.
Now, Rangers are one of five clubs interested in bringing Clark back to the UK on loan. Championship sides Derby County, Hull City, and Swansea City are also keeping tabs on him, meaning Rangers could face stiff competition for his signature.
Hamza Igamane – Interest Remains Strong
Rangers are still monitoring Hamza Igamane, the highly-rated forward attracting interest from clubs across England and Europe.
Recent reports have claimed that Everton are ‘one step away’ from signing Igamane, with Tottenham and Marseille also in the mix. Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement addressed the speculation, recalling past experiences with transfers:
“I had the same in Genk, with Leandro Trossard, who could have left earlier for the Premier League. We had talks about that, but also with other players like Sander Berge.”
“It’s important to make the right step at the right moment because a lot of players move too soon and end up not playing, which damages their careers.”
Clement’s comments suggest that while Rangers may still hold an interest in Igamane, they will only move if they feel the conditions are right.
Niko Katic – Rangers Gave a ‘Very Swift’ Answer on Transfer
Niko Katic, the former Rangers defender, was linked with a return to Ibrox earlier in the window, but his agent has now revealed that Rangers were never seriously interested in bringing him back.
Katic, who currently plays in Switzerland, was reportedly open to the idea of a reunion, but Rangers provided a ‘very swift’ answer that ruled out any move. The Croatian centre-back was a fan favorite during his time at the club, but it seems the door is now firmly closed on a return.
Other Transfer News
Xavi Simons Completes £67.8m Transfer
At one point, Rangers were linked with a move for Xavi Simons, back when Giovanni van Bronckhorst was in charge. The Dutch midfielder was rumored to be a loan target from PSG, but that move never materialized.
Since then, Simons has played for PSV, been bought back by Paris Saint-Germain, and now completed a massive £67.8 million move to RB Leipzig. While it was a long shot for Rangers to ever secure his signature, it highlights just how highly rated the 20-year-old has become.
What Next for Rangers Before Deadline Day?
With less than 24 hours left in the January transfer window, Rangers could still make one or two late moves, but so far, it has been a relatively quiet month for the club in terms of arrivals.
The departure of Rabbi Matondo to Hannover 96 frees up wages, which could allow Rangers to bring in reinforcements before the deadline. The club’s revived interest in Bobby Clark and continued monitoring of Hamza Igamane suggest they are still looking at attacking options.
However, unless something changes dramatically in the final hours, it appears Rafael Fernandes will remain the club’s only major signing of the window.