Glasgow Rangers’ struggles this season can be attributed to a few factors. Philippe Clement clearly wasn’t the man to take the Ibrox side forward, and he failed to implement a tactical philosophy during his time in charge.
Additionally, the Gers’ performances against clubs they are expected to beat were poor, losing games against Aberdeen, Hibs, St Mirren and Motherwell, which knocked the club out of a Premiership title race.
At the time of writing, Rangers have conceded 38 goals in the league already. Indeed, this is the most the club have conceded since they won the league title during the 2020/21 campaign.
With three games left, this number could still increase. The defence has been a big part of the problem throughout the season. John Souttar has been a reliable option when fit, but he still makes the odd mistake, having made two errors leading to a shot and given away two penalties in the league this term, as per Sofascore.
Leon Balogun is arguably the finest centre-back at Ibrox, but he will be 37 by the start of next season.
Clement signed Robin Propper last summer as a replacement for Connor Goldson. With experience in the Eredivisie and being the captain of FC Twente, he was deemed to be a solid signing.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite worked out for him.
Why Rangers must sell Robin Propper
For a fee of just £1.5m, Propper made the move to Glasgow last August, but it soon became clear that the rough and tumble of the Scottish top flight would be a problem for him.
He struggled physically against teams that used big, bulking centre-forwards, with Propper being bullied off the ball on a constant basis, having admitted himself that he perhaps “underestimated” the Premiership.
Indeed, he ranks in the lowest 40% for duels won percentage per game (62.1%) in the Premiership while also ranking in the bottom 50% for interceptions per 90 (1.02).
It isn’t just domestically where Propper struggles. When compared to his peers in the Europa League, the Dutchman ranks in the bottom 75% for pass completion percentage (82.8%), progressive passes (2.08) and progressive carries (0.13).
On this evidence, Rangers should be looking to move him on this summer under new management, especially as they might be able to recoup nearly all that they paid.
Improving the defence will be a main priority for the new head coach when he arrives at Ibrox.
Hopefully, this means new arrivals will shortly be on their way to Glasgow.
Rangers search for a new defender
According to Foot Mercato, the Gers are expected to make a bid for Estoril defender Kevin Boma when the transfer window opens.
Boma has only been with his current club for a single season, but has impressed significantly to begin attracting interest from the continent.
FC Basel are keen on making an offer for the youngster, as are Bundesliga side Union Berlin, suggesting the Light Blues have plenty of competition for the centre-back.
Estoril value Boma at between €6m and €7m (£5.1 and £6m) should anyone attempt to make a bid for the player.
Much will depend on the money that is available to the new boss this summer, but there is no doubt that Boma fits the profile of what the club urgently require.
If a few players can be sold when the window opens, funds should be ready this summer.
Why Rangers must sign Kevin Boma
A year ago, Boma was playing in the French second tier with Rodez, making a total of 26 appearances for the club before moving to Portugal for a fee in the region of just £200k.
This certainly looks to have turned into a bargain for Estoril, especially considering they are set to make a lucrative profit on the defender.
Boma has featured 28 times for the club in all competitions, scoring once, and his performances have been impressive in the Portuguese top flight.
Metric (per90)
Boma
Propper
Tackles
1.7
1.7
Interceptions
1.5
0.8
Dribbled past
0.3
0.5
Clearances
4.1
4
Percentage of aerial duels won
67%
63%
Possession lost
6.5
8.7
Indeed, the 22-year-old ranks fourth in the first-team squad for accurate passes (34.7) and tackles (1.7) per game in the top flight, along with ranking third for clearances (4.1) and for interceptions (1.5) per match.
Boma’s physicality could be a huge asset for the club at the heart of the defence, especially as he wins 5.4 total duels per game – a success rate of 63% – in the league this season for Estoril.
Strong, quick and tall, all the qualities that the club require at the heart of the defence and Boma possesses them all.
Kai Watson, scout and analyst, profiled the defender amid the club’s recent interest in him, taking to X to say that “the 22-year-old is incredibly athletic and has caught the eye at Estoril this season.”
He may not be at his peak just yet, but with plenty of time to improve, Boma will continue to get better and better as time goes on.
Transfer Focus
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On the surface, signing Propper looked like a wise move. One experienced centre-back came in to replace a player who had departed.
After a few months, it soon became clear that the Dutchman wasn’t up to the required standard for Rangers, yet Clement still persisted with him at the heart of his defence.
Changes must be made this summer, no matter how ruthless. This includes selling deadwood who are either not contributing enough or have missed too many matches through injury. In their place, young players with the capability to develop into sellable assets should arrive in Glasgow.
Boma is the ideal signing, despite the price tag. The 22-year-old has even been capped at international level by Togo, proving how impressive his displays have been this season.
First things first, the 49ers Enterprises must appoint a manager who can take the club back to the summit of Scottish football.
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