Speaking on the other side of Christmas, Piotr Kasprzak, a Rangers scout in Eastern Europe, claimed that the Scottish Premiership winners were priced out of a deal to recruit a bright young attacker who would eventually secure a £7 million move later in the year.
Rangers seized at the opportunity to bring in one of their long-term goals without spending any transfer money after two years of waiting.
And Abdallah Sima has surely been worth the wait. With 16 goals in all competitions from the wing, the Senegal international’s searing form north of the border reminds us why he was connected with Arsenal and Manchester United not so long ago, and was once compared to a young Thierry Henry.
Sima, despite his evident potential, has yet to make a first-team appearance for Brighton, who have the miraculous Kaoru Mitoma playing at his preferred position. And, after difficult loan stints at Stoke City and Angers, Sima believes Rangers have been just as good to him as he has been to them.
Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima ‘happy’ at Rangers
“This was the ideal team for me, as a young player, to gain games and experience. Teammates are really helpful, and there are some veteran players. Sima expressed his happiness at a news conference on Friday, which was televised on the Rangers’ official YouTube page.
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting a season like this. But I am a winner, and I want to win everything here. This is why I joined the club. So I aim to give my all for this team and the supporters, because they deserve it.
Sima, whose short-term contract expires this summer, does not seem like someone who is eager to return to Brighton.
Sima, like Viktor Gyokeres and Denis Undav at Sporting Lisbon and Stuttgart, has been reborn away from the South Coast, despite the Seagulls’ recent success in recruiting young and hungry up-and-coming players.
How much will the Rangers have to pay?
When asked about a permanent stay with Rangers, Sima was hesitant to reveal much, despite his desire to reiterate how much he enjoys life at Ibrox.
“I am really happy here,” adds Sima, who marked his comeback from injury with a goal in the 3-3 Old Firm draw against Celtic. “My family as well.”
Rangers would surely love the potential of signing Sima to a long-term contract. Brighton’s ability to sign a player who is set to become a free agent in less than a year will determine if they can afford him or if they are priced out, like they were in 2021.
Sima is certain to play in Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts at Hampden Park.
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