St Etienne’s Denis Bouanga has chosen money over credible European football and Rangers after the Gabon international agreed a deal to join the MLS and Los Angeles FC as not only their highest-paid player, but as their first player to break through the budget cap.

The 27-year old, worth around £10M but would only cost a side around £3M-£5M, was strongly connected with a move to Rangers, given his CV, versatility and relatively modest price tag given his talents.

But the winger has reportedly rejected the move to Ibrox in favour of an eye-watering wage in LA for a side who can offer him big money but little else.

St Etienne have been relegated to Ligue 2 so his exit was and is inevitable, but with a host of fine European sides interested in him, his choice to choose the MLS and money, while we entirely respect that decision, is completely mercenary and could kill his football career.

The MLS is where players go to in their 30s, the twilight of their careers when they can’t offer much to the big five leagues any more, it’s not generally the destination for a fairly young winger in his prime.

Will he lose his international place?

Quite possibly, but that’s his choice.

LA will break their budget cap to get a coveted talent, and he potentially derails his career and loses out on high quality opposition and a top league.

Still, his choice. Hope it’s worth it!