Rangers Scouting: The hypnotic Tunisian and Bodo/Glimt star that could re-energize midfield

Whether you think it was an underlying dig at the lack of reinforcements secured in this area and, in a way, a wave of the proverbial white flag, or whether he thinks a midfield that at times struggles to compete domestically would fare differently against Napoli, both are equally concerning.

I, alongside the vast majority of Rangers fans, had made it explicit that the two wholes that needed plugging over all else were at right wing and in the centre of midfield, whereas a more natural box-to-box or number 8 was required to establish greater balance in the engine room.

Joe Aribo departed, whilst Malik Tillman and Tom Lawrence arrived. The two acquisitions have impressed, but neither scratch the pre-established itch, even if they are still valuable members of the post-summer-2022 squad.

Van Bronckhorst proclaimed that he was content with the recruitment and tools he had at hand as the window shut, but I think we all know when someone bites their lip for the greater good, and that is, arguably, what he has done. Perhaps it was due to financial permutations that we won’t be privy to until the AGM, or maybe the recruitment team at Rangers were unable to find a suitable profile to fill the void, which can’t be true; I’ll show you that.

Since we’re over three months from the January window, which at the best of times is a hard bargain and over nine months to the summer window, specific detailed reports on single players may be counter-intuitive unless that player is perfect for Rangers. However, we can definitely begin populating shortlists with several exciting players who are badly needed to fill the frustrating voids left unaddressed. With that in mind, let me familiarise you with eight players who could come in and help balance out a lop-sided, asymmetric, and misfiring engine room.

Aissa Laidouni, Ferencvaros

Laidouni is a player I’ve been telling everyone who will listen about. I profiled him in my Summer Recruitment Plan in June, and I firmly believe he would assuage almost all of Rangers problems in midfield. The Tunisian international is 26 in December and, importantly, available on a pre-contract the following month as his deal at Fradi runs out in June 2023.

He’s adept in possession, maintaining a hypnotic control of the ball. He knows when and how to release the ball to teammates and is a constant threat in the final third. He can also play more reserved at the bottom of a midfield three as his intelligence and frame allow him to shuttle around and challenge passing lanes and ball-carriers. He would arrive and could play as a 6/8/10, offering versatility, title-winning experience, and genuine quality for a transfer fee of £0.

Jessy Deminguet, Caen

In the hierarchy of priorities, most would demand goals from midfield above all else, which is entirely understandable given the complete void of any goalscoring from that area of the pitch. Deminguet would provide goals in bunches, and the cherry on top, he’ll also set up his teammates. The Frenchman is a valid number 8 and can be played as a 10 when needs be. He’s a fantastic dribbler, cunning passer, and strong ball-striker. He would provide incredible utility in domestic games whilst providing another angle of attack in continental play. He’s another one available on a pre-contract come January.

Rangers Review (Image: Rangers Review)

Sebastian Kowalczyk, Pogon Szczecin

Kowalczyk is the Polish Mathiue Valbuena. He’s a combo midfielder who naturally inhibits the opposition half, setting up teammates and often getting involved in the goalscoring action himself. He’s very short but is able to harness his low centre of gravity well, although he struggles to impose himself out of possession. He would be a suitable candidate to play alongside another attacking-minded midfielder in front of a sitter like John Lundstram domestically, where goals are above everything else. In Europe, he could seamlessly move forward and play as a ten, where he is, in fact, probably better than as an 8. Guess what? He’s also available on a pre-contract in January.

Atsuki Ito, Urawa Red Diamonds

Although Japan appears to firmly be Celtic's catchment area, Rangers shouldn't allow them an exclusive run at the island's talent and, in turn, enabling them to profit even further.

Despite being 24, this is only Ito's second full season of professional football as Japan's footballing culture replicates that of America's, where most prospects complete university and play within that system before moving on to the professional game.

The Urawa midfielder is incredibly well-rounded, although some could point out the dangers of being a jack of all trades but a master of none. Regardless, he's shown immense quality and potential in the J-League, involving himself in Urawa's play in all thirds. He is physically built to do well in Scottish Football, as he's over six foot, strong and a hard worker. The icing on the cake is that he's not just available on a pre-contract in January, but rather, he is out of contract on January 31st 2023.

Abdou Harroui, Sassuolo

Rangers were actually linked with Harroui pretty extensively in the summer of 2021, but he chose the tranquillity of Modena and Serie A football over Glasgow. He may be looking back at this decision with a hint of regret as he has yet to come close to breaking into their side and, as such, may be willing to call it quits just 18 months into his Italian adventure.

At Sparta Rotterdam, Harrow showed off an incredible skillset, headlined by his goalscoring touch and exciting ability to take players on with the ball. He also proved useful out of possession and was a crucial cog in Sparta’s build-up and chance creation. Harrow is not available for free or anything like that but Rangers may be able to tempt the Morrocan to Ibrox and would be unlikely to be asked to pay anything above the fee Sassuolo paid Sparta, which was around £2.7m.

Emam Ashour, Zamalek

Zamalek has managed to usurp Al-Ahly as Egypt’s dominant side; whether this will be a flash in the pan or prolonged dominance is another question. One of the central tenants of their success is their versatile midfield boss Emam Ashour. Ashour is another player comfortable playing pretty much anywhere in the midfield but is probably most at home when playing as a 6 or 8. He can consistently perform in several positions due to his incredibly well-rounded skillset.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see Ashour win possession from an opposition forward and dribble the entire pitches length before slotting the ball in the back of the net or setting up a teammate. He has the physical profile to match his ability as he is at a muscular six foot. Despite only recently extending his deal with the Cairo team, I know for a fact that he is interested in a move to Europe and Ibrox could be the perfect landing spot.

Hugo Vetlesen, Bodo/Glimt

Vetlesen is one of the headline acts in the miraculous story that is Bodo/Glimt's rise to prominence both in Norway and around Europe. I could wax lyrical about him, but one of my colleagues has already written an excellent piece on the 22-year-old Norwegian. I'd suggest you give it a read.

Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Esperance Tunis

Much like Veltesen, Romdhane has already been profiled for the Rangers Review. My thoughts haven’t changed since I penned that article around a year ago; if anything, I’ve become even more bullish on the Tunisian superstar. He’s available on a pre-contract in January.

Nothing would please me more than if Rangers were to make a move this winter.