The increasing news that Djeidi Gassama is a hot target for Villarreal in Spain is some of the best news we have received at Ibrox Noise in a while. However, suggesting Christmas has come early with Sheffield United trying to sign Joe Rothwell is the understatement of the year.
Summer signings and shared blame
Rangers signed absolute rubbish in the summer. While responsibility for displays sits with both Russell Martin and Danny Rohl, plenty of blame lies on the pitch. There is an awful lot of slop on the turf. Rothwell and Gassama are prime examples.
Hype versus reality
As usual, many Rangers fans hyped both players. Gassama arrived as a supposed superstar from Sheffield Wednesday. He was painted as an incredible winger and a prized coup. Joe Rothwell supposedly shone for Leeds United in the Championship. He was even said to have helped them get promoted.
The truth about Gassama
The truth was nowhere near either claim. Gassama scored a few goals, yes. However, Sheffield Wednesday were relegation candidates. They were garbage. Anything not complete garbage stood out slightly. His poor Rangers form shows the level we targeted.
The Rothwell problem
Joe Rothwell is another example. Ibrox Noise opposed signing him at Blackburn Rovers. Rangers were linked two or three seasons ago. We opposed it then. We opposed it again during his Leeds spell. Yet the usual types hyped him as the next Barry Ferguson. In reality, he has been absolute mince at Rangers. He has been very poor.
Why exits matter
Given where Rangers are, interest in these two is a spectacular success. Avoiding paying a team to take Rothwell would be an achievement. Potentially getting £6M for Gassama would be outstanding. Sources tell Ibrox Noise that Rangers want to double their investment. That would be incredible work.
What comes next
As things stand, both could be on the way out. We hope this starts a major exodus of rubbish. The problem is recruitment. Incoming players must be notably better than League One and Championship squad fillers. Time will tell next month what Danny Rohl goes for.