Abdallah Sima's transfer solves long-term Rangers problem - Four Lads

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Abdallah Dipo Sima is the next arrival this summer as Rangers bid to tackle the right forward position which has been troublesome for so many years.

Aside from his promising performances against us a few years ago with Slavia Prague, I don’t have a lot of knowledge of the player or his potential ability. But for Brighton to fork out £7m for his talents must mean he has something about him. 

I’ve spoken a bit about it this summer already and while I understand the trepidation from others, trust in a deal like this is solely with the manager and his team. Without going over old ground there is enough evidence to trust Michael Beale given his dealings in the transfer market so far. 

Sima’s arrival could spark a subtle change in our attacking shape with the forward perhaps more of an old-fashioned second striker, a forward or in my terms, a number seven. Capable of playing really wide or inside closer to the number nine. 

That nine position is still to be determined. A move for Dessers is held up due to Cremonese’s financial demands. That's resulted in Rangers seemingly turning their attention to Feyenoord striker Danillo with the clubs talking but still far apart in valuation. 

A no.9 remains the absolute must from this summer. With Sima as arrival number five, another three would see eight in the door, which would be around where we speculated before the window started. 

But in the absence of massive news to discuss in the arrival of an attacking jewel in the crown, I should stress that I believe Sam Lammers may surprise a few. He isn’t the superstar summer signing we all hoped for - Danilo could be that player - but he could still turn out to be.

READ MORE: Rabbi Matondo Rangers future dilemma as Beale targets transfers

So where does it leave us? Well, the majority of the work is still to be done, especially for those heading out of Ibrox. With players now returning to training and summer holiday time over, I expect, and hope, players will begin to depart. In fact, I’d say it’s crucial that we move on Jon McLaughlin, Glen Kamara and a hand full of others.

Rangers need to manage their spend much more effectively and I’ve long since said it is not how much we are spending but more about how we are doing it. We can’t afford another season of injuries which is why the return of Dr Mark Waller is such a smart appointment. It is no coincidence that when he left our fitness and injuries took a dramatic turn for the worst. Those who follow my articles will know my feelings that Ross Wilson - in charge of the football department - had let that area slide. I’m delighted Waller is back and hopefully we will see a dramatic uplift in conditioning and injuries this season. 

Josanne Potter was also announced as the new Women’s coach with the former Lioness taking her first step into management after an assistant role at Birmingham this last year. With Karim Virani coming in as the new chief commercial officer those positions off the field are almost replaced and the club can begin to address the off-field challenge from a position of strength. But make no mistake, a lot of that is inconsequential to most Rangers fans where the first team take precedence. 

And as such, Sima will be a welcome addition and hopefully, he hits the ground running. But there is still that aforementioned jewel we are waiting on. It’s the one we need.

With the players returning the fun is about the begin and Rangers need to deliver the game-changers who will make this a successful season. 

By the time I write next week's column, we may very well know who that is but I would love someone the support could gravitate towards. On and off the pitch it has been a solid summer so far, the challenge now is to turn that from an exciting one to the foundation stone of a championship season and long term success.