Rangers manager Philippe Clement has signaled his intention to initiate discussions with Brighton concerning the future of forward Abdallah Sima well before the summer transfer window.
Sima, who has already netted 11 goals this season, stands out among the nine summer signings for Rangers, a collective that has not provided the anticipated boost to the team’s performance. The underperformance led to Michael Beale losing his managerial position, and Clement, the new manager, is eager to retain Sima as part of the club’s rebuilding process. Despite having 18 months left on his contract with Brighton, Sima remains a significant part of their plans, potentially making any deal costly.
Addressing the decision-making process regarding Sima’s future, Clement affirmed, “It’s not about assessing that in the summer; there will be talks faster than that. But, of course, it’s really early to be doing that now. The most important thing is that Abdallah is performing and feels really good in the club. That’s the first step so we can build on that.”
Having recently become a father, Sima seems to have settled seamlessly into life in Glasgow, showcasing not only his on-field prowess but also his adaptation off the pitch. Clement emphasized the significance of character at Rangers, recognizing Sima’s positive adaptation compared to some other summer signings.
Describing the demanding nature of the club, Clement explained, “You need a big personality to be strong with that in the moments when people are not happy about things. Then you need to fight through. And Abdallah has shown that in these weeks.”
Clement stressed the importance of not only the physical and technical attributes but also the character and resilience required in the environment of a successful club. He highlighted the goal of fostering a winning culture at Rangers, where both players and fans support each other, particularly during challenging moments, to achieve collective success.
