'Annoying, Strange' - Club chief upset as Rangers trigger 11th hour exit in swoop to sign 'Important Player'

Rangers managed to sign Robin Propper in a deal which took just two days by taking advantage of an exit agreement at FC Twente, Arnold Bruggink has revealed.

The Eredivisie side’s sporting director admits the defender’s sudden departure to Ibrox has been “annoying” and “strange” since he was such an important part of their side.

The Light Blues managed to swoop in to activate the agreement which was set to expire on 31 July, sealing a deal just in time to announce him on 1 August as the de facto replacement for Connor Goldson.

He said, via the Scottish Sun (2 August): “Last year we stopped Robin from going to a top foreign club. After that, we started talking about the possible what-if situations that could arise the next time a club came in for him.

“Then we sat down together and made a new agreement. The agreement was if a club came in for him before midnight on July 31 and paid the agreed amount, then he could go.

“That’s how it was. And the transfer to Rangers only started two days before it.

“So for us, it’s the timing that’s the most annoying. It’s not great at all. And it’s not great for the coaches, the players, the supporters and the club.

“It still feels strange to me. Suddenly an important player – who was at the heart of the team – is gone. And our captain too.”

Rangers land Robin Propper to replace Connor Goldson

The Light Blues have come in for some criticism this summer for the way the transfer window and logistical arrangements more widely have been carried out, and not without justification.

But in reacting fast to Goldson’s exit to Aris Limassol they have brought in what could be a vital, experienced signing with very little messing about.

The Dutchman could even make his debut against Hearts in the season opener on 3 August thanks to the speed with which the deal was done.

If the 30-year-old adapts to the Scottish Premiership quickly and is able to lift the performance of an inconsistent defence it would prove to be a major coup.

So on paper the dealings with FC Twente appear to have turned out extremely well for Rangers as they managed to secure the permanent sale of Sam Lammers, who had no future at Ibrox and had been dropped to the B Team [Rangers Review, 8 July].

His contract was pricing him out of other moves [AD Voetbal podcast, 15 July] so ensuring he was shifted on to a new opportunity for a much-needed fee was a very positive step.

And then returning, seemingly against Twente’s will, to land their captain to fill a gaping need for a senior centre-back looks to be a huge boost, if he can back it up on the pitch.

In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have held talks with an English Premier League club over another new signing.

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