Ryan Giggs makes his debut on Monday Night Football (Sky Sports 1) tonight alongside regulars Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.
The Manchester United legend is the special guest on the show as Liverpool host Manchester United in a monster clash between two of the Premier League’s greatest ever clubs.
Giggs made nearly 1000 appearances for United in his 23 years at the club as a professional, scoring 168 goals along the way and forever writing himself in the annals of Red Devil’s history.
The Welshman is also the most decorated player in Premier League history, having picked up 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies amongst the 10’s of titles he has won with the club.
The once dazzling winger has proven he has got what it takes on the pitch, but as a pundit, judgement will be reserved till after more than one appearance on MNF.
That hasn’t stopped Twitter reacting to his appearance though, and some of the results are downright hilarious …..
Not sure what this has to do with his punditry, but fair point …
It’s Liverpool vs. United in the studio too …
Truth hurts …
Turn your mics up boys.
Well, not exactly like they’re the most popular men in the country.
Snoozefest.
You tell him, Michael. Not exactly a fascinating man to listen to and doesn’t exactly have the most intelligent comments
His goalscoring heroics for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid in midweek have well and truly put Javier Hernandez back on the transfer map. Somewhat exiled at the Bernabeu, the Manchester United hit-man has become a forgotten character, but a timely reminder of what he does best – scoring goals – ahead of the summer transfer window may well have opened up possibilities for him.
One side sitting up and taking notice is West Ham, with reports claiming that the east London outfit are seriously considering a move for the 26-year-old. Although the ‘Little Pea’ is not in the Red Devils’ plans, he could be perfect for the Irons as they build for the future… and here are FIVE reasons why.
[interaction ]
Guarantees goals
‘Chicharito’ may not be standout in any specific area, but he knows how to score goals. He’s not tall, not overly strong, not amazingly quick over the turf and he’s certainly not the sort of player to bring others into attacks, but put the ball in the six yard box, and he’ll somehow find a way to get it into the net. And, after all, scoring goals is the most important job on the football pitch!
Hernandez has a record of better than one goal in every two games for Mexico, averaged almost the same at Manchester United despite a largely ‘impact sub’ role and has even managed four goals in just over 400 minutes of La Liga action this season.
More prolific than West Ham’s current options
Building on the last point, Hernandez is much more dangerous that West Ham’s current options. Okay the stats (via Squawka) are comparing La Liga and the Premier League – although as two of the ‘top divisions’ in Europe, they should be on a par – and Hernandez is supported by the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo when called upon, but the numbers are still impressive.
Per 90 minutes, the Mexican nets 0.81 goals, making him almost twice as dangerous as Andy Carroll and significantly more deadly that top scorer, Diafra Sakho. A shot accuracy of 62% is also not to be sniffed at.
Won’t break the bank
With Real Madrid having a clause to sign Hernandez for £7m, that would appear to be the benchmark figure for the 26-year-old. However, with Los Blancos set to reject the opportunity to draft him in, Manchester United will be stuck with a player entering the last year of his contract who will, most likely, be of little use to Louis van Gaal. As a result, West Ham could negotiate a better deal, and it would be no surprise to see him move on for a fee of far below £7m.
Suited to the style of football the fans want
Although ‘Big Sam’ has moved away from ‘hoof-ball’ this season, the Hammers are still suited to a direct style of play. Getting the ball forward quickly is by no means an embarrassing way of playing, but many fans crave a more attractive short passing game, which Hernandez could suit. Although not a great passer of the ball, a lack of physical presence up front will cut off the option of the long ball, forcing the Irons to use their talented midfielders such as Mark Noble to thread neat passes.
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Point to prove
Despite boasting an impressive record and always performing when called upon, Hernandez wasn’t ever really give a fair crack at Man United. So, given a chance to perform in the Premier League, ‘Chicharito’ would have the motivation of getting one over on his former employers, which could be the sort of fire needed to push him on to fulfil his potential. West Ham would surely benefit from this.
It’s been less than 12 hours, but Luis Suarez’s bite incident with Branislav Ivanovic seems already predestined to enter the Premier League’s Hall of Shame. In the same week the Uruguayan was nominated for the PFA Players’ Player Of The Year, the latest of his misconducts has put the Liverpool striker in the eye of the storm – blurring his league merits in the process. But, is his behaviour reason enough for Suarez to lose, scandals apart, a well deserved award?
Just minutes after the PFA announced the shortlist of nominees for the Player Of The Year award, hundreds of polls in several media, websites and football forums were asking the fans who their favourite was to succeed Robin van Persie as the best Premier League footballer this season. The Dutchman, also nominated this year, Gareth Bale or even Michael Carrick were the most demanded names, while the Premier League top scorer and Liverpool hero took a secondary position. No doubt, his personality and manners on the pitch have an impact on people’s assessment of his footballing virtues.
[cat_link cat=”liverpool” type=”list”]
The sad reality is that if we merely stick to football reasons and try to choose the winner judging exclusively ‘who has been the best Premier League player this season’, the answer should be Luis Suarez. Having a bad temper on the pitch is not something that eases the always difficult task of sticking ball in the opponent’s net, and he has done it on 23 occasions this season – and there will be no more after he receives the appropriate punishment – similary, no adding to his 10 assists.
Only van Persie matches his numbers – 21 goals, 13 assists – and will probably beat them by the end of the season, but the club circumstances should not be overlooked when conceding individual awards, and it is here where the Uruguayan takes the lead. No other player – Gareth Bale would be the closest one on this aspect – has had a bigger importance to his club. Therefore, while van Persie has been the finisher of the indisputably best team in the league, Suarez has made his way through to the top of the scorers’ table in a team that lies in 7th position in the league. A true reflection of this is the percentage of goals they have scored for their respective teams: 37.7% compared to RVP’s 28%.
Regardless of his numerous controversies, Suarez has been one of the best players, if not the best, this season, and the nomination is simply admitting it whether we like him or not. Gary Lineker claimed via Twitter after the game that the striker should be withdrawn as a Player Of The Year contender. Doing that would be ruling out every one of his 23 goals for a bad gesture that was not related to any of them – if anything, to the 23rd, as he should have been sent off. The award recognises the best player of the season, and every player should be eligible to win it. His punishment should come from the FA and from his club, but never affect the merits he has earned by scoring goals and being a vital component of his team.
Is Suarez going to win the PFA award, then? Of course not. Dives, brawls, bad gestures to fans and racial scandals seem a way to heavy burden to shrug off. Biting an opponent is the straw that breaks the camel’s back and could cost him his future at Liverpool, but the PFA honour was lost long ago and it’s perfectly understandable.
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After all, Robert De Niro would have never won an Oscar if he had bitten, kicked, punched or racially abused the judges.
Few would have expected Arsenal to have something to smile about this transfer window, what with the very public battle surrounding RVP, yet the disastrous situation at Malaga – which could fill a book in itself – has enabled Wenger to lure one of the best players outside of Spain’s big two, Santi Cazorla, to the Emirates.
The little winger has spent most of his career at Villarreal before his move to Malaga, and has attracted mass praise in La Liga, and make no mistake will be a joy to watch this season, if not for the struggle to pronounce a name that actually sounds like Cathorla, yet it is another who Arsenal look set to sign on loan from the very same league that should have Arsenal fans on the edge of their seat with excitement.
Nuri Sahin, as most people will know is a midfielder in the Xabi Alsonso mould, and has struggled to break into the first team at Real Madrid, with Mourinho saying he would be happy for Sahin to go on loan to Arsenal for the season.
However, Sahin’s failure to break into the first team has been through not only devastatingly untimely and lengthy injury problems, but also due to the fact Xabi Alonso is about as untouchable as you get in a Mourinho side.
When Sahin has been given a chance the boy has impressed no end, with vision and a range of passing far beyond his years. The midfielder also has an eye for goal given the chance, and if there was ever a player who you would say should flourish under Wenger and is in the ‘Arsenal mould’ it is this young boy.
During the USA tour with Real Madrid, it has been pretty clear Sahin will not be featuring next season, not even getting a look in the midfield two where you would expect to see him play, but has spent a fair amount of time at left back, and has even done this with class and a quality you might not expect.
Whilst he is one for the future at Real, Sahin will certainly benefit from some first team experience and simply has to get his fitness and confidence levels back, something that looks nigh on impossible at Real Madrid, and with the player, agent and club feeling that a loan move would be hugely beneficial, as you would expect from a man who knows best, Wenger has pounced and looks set to land the player.
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Yes, a Cazorla type player is always welcome at a club, and he will certainly make an impact, and frankly for Mourinho to say he turned down the chance to sign Santi for the tug of love with Modric you have to wonder just what he was thinking, but it could well be Sahin that ends up making a huge impact for Arsenal this season, who are missing a player like the Turk, and knowing exactly what he can do when given the chance, it will be a privilege to watch the young man in the Premier League.
Arsenal officials have been blown away by Lille striker Jonathan David as manager Mikel Arteta decides he needs more firepower, according to reports.
What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?
The north Londoners are still firmly in the battle for a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, but with Man City possessing a game in hand and one-point advantage, the Blues hold all the cards as things stand.
Regardless of the title race outcome, there is a solid argument to be made that this has still been a brilliant season for Arsenal, especially considering they missed out on a top four finish to Tottenham this time last year.
Injuries to the likes of William Saliba have arguably hamstrung Arteta's side overall, making the need for reinforcements next season seem all the more prevalent.
Sporting director Edu is apparently set to target central midfield signings, with West Ham star Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo reportedly at the top of their wishlist.
jonathan-david-lille-arsenal-transfer
As well as the aforementioned duo, reports suggest that Arsenal are targeting both a right-back and central defender – leading to links with both Palace star Marc Guehi and Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda.
Now, as per a report by TEAMtalk, it is believed that the Gunners are also after attacking reinforcements – with Arteta ultimately deciding more firepower is needed.
Gabriel Jesus' injury earlier this season, and rumours of Folarin Balogun being on the way out this summer, has apparently influenced Arteta's call to target forward signings.
Lille striker David is apparently on their radar as a result and Gunners scouts/officials are apparently "enamoured with" the 23-year-old.
Alongside David, Arsenal are also believed to really like the look of Lens striker Lois Openda, as the club allegedly set their sights on Ligue 1 for attacking numbers.
What could David bring to Arsenal?
The forward has been in electric form for Lille over these last two seasons and it could be only a matter of time before he seals a big move to England.
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David has contributed 25 goal contributions in the French top flight alone this campaign (21 goals and four assists) – standing out as one of Lille's best players this season by average match rating too (WhoScored).
Still fairly young and proven in front of goal, he could be exactly what Arteta needs to seriously upgrade Arsenal's attacking options, with Iain Hume also branding David "world class".
According to reports in The Liverpool Echo, Everton want to sign Barcelona defender Yerry Mina this summer and are already in contact with the La Liga champions over a potential deal, and their Premier League rivals Southampton should be watching developments closely.
What’s the word, then?
Soccer Football – World Cup – Round of 16 – Colombia vs England – Spartak Stadium, Moscow, Russia – July 3, 2018 England’s Raheem Sterling in action with Colombia’s Yerry Mina REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Well, The Liverpool Echo report that Marco Silva is keen to strengthen his central defensive options following the departure of Ramiro Funes Mori and with Ashley Williams’ future in doubt, and both him and Marcel Brands are fans of the 23-year-old.
The 6ft 5in star shone for Colombia at the 2018 World Cup before they were knocked out on penalties by England on Tuesday, and he became the first defender to score in his opening three appearances at the tournament.
The Liverpool Echo report that Barca may well be willing to let the South American leave on loan given they only handed him a five-and-a-half year deal when they signed him in January, and that is something that Everton are happy to go along with.
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Why should Southampton hijack the move?
Well, Saints are in desperate need of adding a new centre-back to their ranks having only narrowly avoided relegation, and finding a replacement for Virgil van Dijk should be a priority.
The likes of Wesley Hoedt and Jack Stephens really struggled from an aerial point of view in 2018 as Mark Hughes, who should be making two big signings and sanctioning one major exit his transfer priority, eventually saved the south coast outfit, and he may well be targeting a dominant defender to bring to St Mary’s.
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Mina certainly fits the bill given his height and his performances for his country in Russia, and while a loan deal looks to be the only possibility, he could be the man to help Southampton get back into the top eight in the Premier League.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”269481″ player=”12034″ title=”Five talking points from the World Cup last 16″]
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy says his players have to stay calm if they are to win the seven points they need to stay in the Premier League.They head into Sunday’s local derby with West Brom in the relegation zone with just three games remaining.
And McCarthy is mindful of being too cavalier having been at Cardiff on Monday to watch them blow the chance of an automatic Premier League promotion spot by losing to Middlesbrough.
“Patience and being considered is vital, and if ever that was evident it was at Cardiff. Their players thought ‘it’s vital we get the win’ and ‘we have to get goals’ and ‘we have to push forward’,” he said.
“Suddenly they were one down and it made the incentive to go forward even greater. Then they were two down and the incentive became even greater to go forward, push and force it.”
“Next it was 3-0, the game was finished and they had no chance of going up automatically.”
“That is the last thing we want to do. So play sensibly, play against West Bromwich Albion do not blame your own mistakes.”
A Steven Fletcher penalty put Wolves ahead at Birmingham City last weekend but they were pegged back by the hosts. Despite Birmingham having Craig Gardner dismissed in the second half, Wolves were only able to get a point.
McCarthy argues that it was a point well-earned and remains bullish about his team’s chances of avoiding the drop.
“There were two schools of thought after the Birmingham game and I take the one that it was a good point,” he said.
“We’d have taken a point going there and despite the fact they had ten men they were still a threat. We gave them a goal and didn’t really create them.”
“But it is difficult against 10 men and even more difficult when you’re in the bottom three and it is not easy then to get the ball down and pass it and open teams up and create and make it expansive.”
“To be fair, Birmingham weren’t going to come on to us anyway. They sat in and they’re pretty good at that.”
“We are far from in great shape – being in great shape would be on 41 points and being out of it. Realistically though we can still do it.”
“We took a point, we’ve moved on and we’ll see what we get out of the next three games.”
Wolves will be without defenders Ronald Zubar (back) and Steven Mouyokolo (knee), midfielder David Edwards (back) and forwards Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (hamstring) and Kevin Doyle (knee).
Dirk Kuyt claims Liverpool are making massive progress on the training ground under new manager Roy Hodgson.
Hodgson has come under fire in the opening weeks of the Anfield reign with the Reds languishing towards the foot of the Premier League table.
Just one win from seven league games and an embarrassing Carling Cup exit at the hands of Northampton Town have led to severe criticism of the former Fulham manager.
However, Kuyt has reassured concerned supporters that the players are making progress under the new manager.
"If you could see the training sessions, you could see the progress that is being made every day," he told LFC Weekly.
"We have been working really hard and we believe in ourselves. The progression is there and I believe it's just a matter of time before it comes out on the pitch and the good results will follow.
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"We are working hard on playing with the shape of the team that the manager likes to use and we have been making progress.
"We didn't have a lot of time in pre-season to work on things but it is definitely starting to come together."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank should be using the international break to come up with a new approach to matches after a difficult run of form across all competitions.
The Lilywhites have won one of their last four matches and only two of their last seven games in all competitions, the latest of which was a 2-2 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League.
Tottenham are fifth in the Premier League, with five wins and just three losses in 11 matches, which is a respectable position to be in at this point in the season under a new head coach.
However, the underlying data behind their results suggests that they may slide down the table as the campaign progresses unless they are able to improve their performances.
25/26 Premier League
Spurs
League rank
Shots on target
38
14th
Non-penalty xG
11.0
15th
xG
11.0
15th
xGA
15.2
14th
xGD
-4.2
17th
xGD per 90
-0.38
17th
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Spurs are consistently allowing the opposition to create more high-quality chances than they create for themselves, which is not a good combination.
Frank needs to find a way to add more creativity to his squad, which is why Brennan Johnson may not have much of a long-term future as a starter in North London.
Why Spurs need to move on from Brennan Johnson
Tottenham have already had value for money from the £47.5m that they paid Nottingham Forest to sign the winger in 2023, because he scored the winning goal in the Europa League final last season. That goal, alone, made the deal to bring him to the club worth it.
The Wales international has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Spurs since his move from the Tricky Trees, per Sofascore, which shows that he has offered a fairly reliable threat as a goalscorer.
However, his all-round play as a winger has left a lot to be desired and he may need to be removed from the starting line-up, or the squad in general, in order to build a team that provides more creativity week-in-week-out.
24/25 PL
Johnson (per 90)
Rank vs wingers
xAG
0.10
Bottom 18%
Assists
0.12
Bottom 37%
Progressive passes
2.94
Bottom 39%
Progressive carries
2.84
Bottom 33%
Successful take-ons
0.79
Bottom 22%
Passes into the final third
1.03
Bottom 20%
Key passes
0.79
Bottom 9%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Johnson ranked among the worst wingers in the Premier League last season when it came to creating chances and progressing play with the ball at his feet.
This season, meanwhile, the Welshman has 0.25 xA and has averaged 0.4 key passes per game across 11 appearances in the top-flight, per Sofascore, which shows that he has not improved on last season’s struggles.
Spurs eyeing move to sign LaLiga winger
Now, the Europa League champions are reportedly looking at a move for a new signing who could leave Johnson on borrowed time if he arrives in North London.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are ‘eager’ to seal a deal to sign Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo when the January transfer window opens for business.
The report claims that the Lilywhites want to add a centre-forward and a wide player to their squad to bolster their options in the final third ahead of the second half of the season, with the Japan international lined up for the latter role.
It adds that Kubo has a £52m release clause in his contract with the Spanish side, which would allow Spurs to activate that and skip negotiations over a transfer fee in January.
Football Insider also reveals that their interest in the Japanese star comes amid Everton’s desire to keep hold of their other wide target Iliman N’Diaye, as the Toffees have no intention of letting the Senegal international depart in the next transfer window.
Why Spurs should sign Takefusa Kubo
Spurs should sign the 24-year-old attacker in the January transfer window because his arrival at the club could leave Brennan Johnson on borrowed time.
The former Barcelona and Real Madrid youngster was once dubbed the ‘Japanese Messi’ by ESPN, possibly as he is another diminutive left-footed right winger who excels as a dribbler and a creator in LaLiga.
Dribbling and creating chances, as aforementioned, are two things that Johnson has struggled badly with since the start of last season in the Premier League, which is why Spurs need to find an upgrade on him.
You could look at Kubo’s statistics and question whether or not he is very creative, because he only has four assists for Real Sociedad in all competitions since the start of last season.
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However, the Messi-esque winger’s underlying numbers for the Spanish side over the past year suggest that his lack of assists is down to poor finishing from his teammates.
Last 365 days in Men’s Top 5 Leagues & European competitions
Stats
Kubo (per 90)
Rank vs midfielders
xAG
0.17
Top 10%
Assists
0.07
Bottom 45%
Progressive passes
3.66
Bottom 22%
Progressive carries
4.60
Top 1%
Successful take-ons
2.58
Top 1%
Touches in attacking penalty area
4.81
Top 1%
Key passes
1.78
Top 10%
Passes into the penalty area
1.43
Top 9%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, Kubo ranks highly in a host of creative and dribbling metrics in the last 365 days, certainly living up to the billing that legendary Barcelona figure Xavi gave him of being “world-class.”
The Japan international created a whopping nine ‘big chances’ in LaLiga last season, for example, but was not rewarded with a single assist for his efforts in the final third, per Sofascore.
Kubo is doing all the right things by consistently taking his team up the pitch and creating high-quality chances, and the assists could follow if he comes to Spurs to play with the likes of Richarlison and Mathys Tel, which would then leave Johnson on borrowed time.
With Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert already at the club, the signing of the Real Sociedad winger could mean that the Wales international finds game time hard to come by, due to his struggles in possession, which appear to be holding Spurs back as an attacking force.
Frank must sell £55k-per-week Spurs flop who was looking "like Dembele"
Tottenham Hotspur must now look to offload one player who has failed to deliver in North London.
ByEthan Lamb
That could make Johnson consider his long-term future in North London if a move to sign Kubo leaves him limited to a role off the bench most weeks.
The transfer window is really heating up at Rangers.
On Wednesday, the Light Blues signed not one but two new players, with Joe Rothwell and Emmanuel Fernandez both arriving, the latter for a reported fee of £3.5m.
So, with the start of Champions League qualifying now less than three weeks away, Russell Martin’s mass overhaul of the squad he has inherited continues, with more new signings seemingly set to follow soon.
Rangers looking to bolster their back line
This Rangers squad requires a lot of surgery this summer, and this is no more so the case than in defence.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Leon Balogun has departed, joining Aris Limassol on a free transfer, while Robin Pröpper appears set to return to FC Twente too.
Meanwhile, Max Aarons has arrived on loan from Bournemouth, with Fernandez now signing too, but Martin is certainly still seeking to improve his defensive options.
Southampton manager Russell Martin.
Well, as reported by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports News, Rangers are “in talks” with Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to sign Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.
This would be a straight loan, with no option or obligation to buy, for the Burkina Faso international, who only joined Wolves from Crvena zvezda for a reported fee of £10m as recently as February.
The 22 year old made just six appearances in old gold following his arrival, his sole Premier League start coming at Crystal Palace in May, when Vítor Pereira made wholesale changes, with David Irvine of the Glasgow Times noting that Wolves are keen on this loan move to Ibrox so that he can ‘gain experience’ of British football.
Thus, could Djiga be a transformational addition for Rangers?
How Nasser Djiga will improve Rangers
The young defender is certainly highly-rated, described by Serbian Football Scout as a “duel monster” who reads the game well, but is also capable of a “last-ditch tackle” when required.
Nasser DjigaNasser Djiga
Meantime, writer Kai Watson believes he is the “ideal” centre-back for Martin’s possession-oriented style, labelling him a “strong passer” who possesses a “good understanding” of defensive play.
Before moving to Wolves, he caught the eye representing Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, helping them dump out Bodø/Glimt in the play-off round, before also enjoying league phase victories over Stuttgart and Young Boys, so let’s take a look at his statistics.
Nasser Djiga 2024/25 Champions League statistics
Statistics
Djiga
Red Star rank
Minutes
720
1st
Completed passes
322
1st
Progressive passes
33
4th
Pass completion %
89.4%
3rd
Tackles
10
5th
% of dribblers tackled
100%
1st
Interceptions
4
5th
Blocks
7
4th
Clearances
27
2nd
Ball recoveries
28
4th
Touches
433
3rd
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table outlines, Djiga ranks very highly in the Champions League for all statistics included, when compared to his former teammates, doing so at a very high level, considering Crvena zvezda came up against Barcelona, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Benfica, PSV, Monaco and others during the league phase.
The centre-back’s defensive metrics are universally impressive but, more notably, so are his in-possession statistics, which will make him the perfect fit for a Martin team.
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So, why will he be a more impactful signing than Aarons?
Well, in short, it’s due to what Rangers really need.
Aarons has presumably joined Rangers to play regularly, having seen just 338 minutes of action last season at Bournemouth and then Valencia, which raises serious question marks over current right-back and captain James Tavernier’s future.
Meantime, the Light Blues are desperate for central defensive reinforcements, with John Souttar and new arrival Fernandez currently the only options available to face Panathinaikos in a pivotal Champions League qualifier in just 19 days’ time.
So, while Djiga is clearly a high-potential player, he is also one that Rangers desperately require, making him a welcome and much-needed addition for Martin.
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Rangers are eyeing up a move to sign a striker who would be a dream replacement for Hamza Igamane.