Brighton loanee Abdallah Sima is reportedly a man in demand – and not just from Rangers.
The Ibrox side have made no bones about their interest in signing the 22-year-old Senegal forward permanently after an explosive season in Glasgow.
That’s despite the fact Abdallah Sima is only now returning from a devastating two-month injury lay-off which ruled him out of AFCON.
With plenty of interest from the player’s side too, the situation is an interesting one for Rangers supporters who are big fans of the ex-Slavia Prague hitman.
But the latest news coming out of England suggests that it’s not just Rangers who’re keeping tabs on Abdallah Sima, who is valued very highly by Brighton.
Brighton want up to £15m for Abdallah Sima
Football Insider and Pete O’Rourke have claimed that several Premier League clubs and clubs from Europe’s top five leagues have taken notice of Abdallah Sima’s time at Rangers.
It’s being claimed that Brighton also value Abdallah Sima up to £15m – a fee which would categorically rule Rangers out of the running – whilst this could rise if there is a “bidding war” for the forward.
Whilst we’ll take the claims with a pinch of salt until anything more concrete materialises, it’s an interesting situation for Rangers.
Here we have a player who clearly wants to stay but the financial limitations of the club could hamper any deal from being completed.
It’s also been said that Abdallah Sima is entering into the final year of his contract at Brighton, but as reported by the Athletic following his £6m move in 2021, there is the option of another year.
This means the Premier League side have Sima on their books until 2026 and if Rangers are serious about signing the forward, it’s going to cost us.
Rangers still hold out transfer hope
It’s not all bad news for Rangers on the Abdallah Sima front.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told us last month that the striker remains a legitimate target for Rangers and that “there are a number of possibilities on the table” when it comes to the forward.
This includes potentially another season on loan at Ibrox and it’ll be interesting to see how this one pans out in the summer.
“The conversations are still ongoing about Abdallah Sima,” said Graeme Bailey. “He’s performed very well, but is he ready for Premier League?
“I’m not sure Brighton think he’s ready, but by the same token does that mean he’s ready to move? He’s in his third loan spell, there’s a very good chance he’ll move.
“He is in Rangers’ price range but Brighton haven’t decided yet. They’re keeping a firm check on him. There are a number of possibilities on the table.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s an extension and another loan and it’s one to keep an eye on but Rangers fans can be rest-assured conversations have been happening.”
Abdallah Sima has netted 16 goals in 35 games for Rangers, including an equaliser in the 3-3 Old Firm draw with Celtic.
