Rangers ace McInnes wants to keep considering January exit with multiple clubs eyeing move
Rangers star Djeidi Gassama is weighing up his options ahead of the January transfer window as he considers an Ibrox exit.
Football FanCast understands the Mauritanian international is open to a possible departure from the Light Blues in the winter window due to a lack of minutes across the campaign so far.
Djeidi Gassama considering January Rangers exit
Gassama had been a key player under Derek McInnes early in the new manager’s tenure but has since been left fighting it out for a spot on the left-hand side of the Gers attack, with the likes of Badredine Bouanani being favoured by the boss in recent weeks.
Gassama has made 18 appearances for the club this term so far with the majority being starts before he began being shifted back onto the bench to accommodate McInnes’ summer incomings.
The 23-year-old has chipped in with five assists in that time with his one goal this season so far coming in a 5-1 mauling of St Mirren in a Premier Sports Cup tie on the way to the Hampden final which will be played on December 13.
|
Gassama’s career so far |
Apps |
Goals |
Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sheffield Wednesday |
84 |
12 |
4 |
|
Rangers |
74 |
10 |
11 |
|
KAS Eupen |
20 |
2 |
1 |
|
Total |
178 |
24 |
16 |
Football FanCast understands the playmaker has a number of interested clubs keeping an eye on his progress in Glasgow as they decide whether or not to make a move for the attacking wide man.
Gassama has previously had clubs such as RB Salzburg on his tail with former head coach at Rangers, Danny Rohl, eyeing a reunion with the player he signed at Ibrox from Sheffield Wednesday.
The forward has also had Monza in Italy keeping tabs on his situation with a view to a potential switch in January.
Gassama is understood to be open to staying at Rangers should there be guarantees from the coaching staff.
However, the way the club are performing at this moment – unbeaten in 12 fixtures while sitting second to Celtic with a game in hand – means the likelihood of any promise from McInnes is low.
Rangers could cash in on Gassama for major profit
McInnes has always made it clear he wants competition in the attacking areas at Ibrox and he sees Gassama as a strong option on the flank, but it’s believed Rangers would be open to possibly cashing in on their player.
He is under contract until 2029, which would force any interested party into splashing out on the versatile winger and suit the Rangers player trading model.
The attacker cost Gers just £2.2m when he arrived and would likely land a hefty profit.
McInnes, it’s understood, hopes to keep hold of Gassama as part of his plans for the rest of the season but he cannot guarantee minutes on the pitch. And that could be the sticking point for the player’s camp who represent his best interests.
Back in September, McInnes confirmed he felt Gassama could be an important player for the club this term.
“Particularly in recent weeks he has carried the fight. We’ve built the game well, utilised space and become a very good counter-attacking team, and he’s been a big part of that.
“Gas just needs to improve his numbers. He’s desperate to score more goals and it’s something he’s aware of. Whether it’s attacking crosses from the opposite side or creating opportunities himself, that’s the one thing he needs to add to his game.
“Because the fitness is there, the intent is there, the power is there and the confidence is there. It’s just that final piece and, if we can put everything together, hopefully he can continue progressing and become a big player for us this season.”
Nicolas Raskin now happy at Rangers under McInnes
While Gassama’s future remains uncertain, Football FanCast has also been informed that Nicolas Raskin is now happy at Rangers and has become a key figure under McInnes.
The Belgian midfielder had been linked with a departure during the summer transfer window, with the failure to secure a move understood to have caused some frustration at the time.
However, Raskin’s situation has since changed, with the 25-year-old now believed to be content at Ibrox and an important part of the manager’s plans for the remainder of the campaign.
Useful link: We have also revealed McInnes is keen to bring a forgotten man back to Ibrox in January
