The Scottish Premiership Champions, Rangers, are edging close to signing one of their long-time targets, Juan Alegria, this summer. The FC Honka player was set to arrive at Ibrox in the January transfer window, but the move broke down. Now, the Gers have finally got the green light to sign the young Colombian forward.
Juan Alegria is a highly rated player in Colombia, coming through the youth ranks at Deportes Tolima before transferring to Finnish outfit FC Honka last year. Rangers have already signed another young midfielder Charlie McCann from Manchester United and the same could soon happen for Alegria, as Gerrard looks to add depth to his attacking line.
Steven Gerrard has had his eyes on Alegria for a while, almost securing him during the January transfer window. However, the move broke down after suffering a setback due to United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. Gerrard is hoping that a smoother transaction can take place this summer as the manager wants his side to retain the Scottish Premiership trophy this season with some new signings.
English news outlet Daily Record reported that Rangers are very close to completing a transfer for Juan Alegria and that the negotiations between the two clubs and the player are in advanced stages. The report also states that the player’s current club, FC Honka, have given the green light for the move following their exit from the Europa Conference League after losing to Domzale.
EXCLUSIVE! Juan Alegria set for Rangers transfer as Steven Gerrard finally gets his man after red tape held up Colombian starlet's switch | @ScottBurns75 https://t.co/9GbtATdTkO pic.twitter.com/wOtHw4q1u9
— Daily Record Sport (@Record_Sport) August 2, 2021
Though the 19-year-old may not burst into the first team picture immediately at Ibrox, the club believes that the forward can develop into a top player for the team in the near future. The Light Blues made a similar move in 2017 when they signed another young Colombian striker, Alfredo Morelos.
Morelos moved to Finland from Colombia, just like Juan Alegria, before transferring to Rangers. Their bet on the youngster has since proved to be a great choice as he has now become a massive success at the club as well as for his country, being one of the key players for Columbia in the Copa America Cup. Rangers are hoping the same could happen with Alegria, as the player certainly has great potential to become a key player at the Scottish club.
The report from Daily Record further stated that Gerrard has admitted to continuing making moves to sign upcoming talent and potential stars. This makes Alegria’s signing a move on the right track for the English manager, who is hoping to add further signings in the days to come before the transfer window closes.
The Colombian’s transfer to Ibrox seems to be a wise move for both the player and the club. Although he lacks experience at the top level, he is only 19-years-old and has the ability to develop into a top player. Moreover, given that Gerrard has been on his tail for quite a while, he would give a good amount of game-time to the youngster, he can offer a lot to the team as a squad player.
Moreover, Gerrard and his team are looking to retain their Scottish Premiership title this season. After suffering a disappointing 2-1 loss to Malmo in their first leg match of the Champions League Third qualifying round, Gerrard will further look to add depth to his squad.
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