'Real Quality' - Pundit tips Rangers to make big money off star ace as new signings predicted

Rangers have been backed to land a major transfer fee from Mohamed Diomande when the midfielder eventually leaves Ibrox, by Barry Ferguson.

The former Light Blues captain told Go Radio’s Football Show on 29 July that the Ivorian is the one who has stood out from a difficult preseason to show real quality and suggest he will be a player-trading success down the line.

Diomande, 22, arrived in January on a loan-to-buy deal which was made permanent this summer and Ferguson believes it is now vital that experienced signings are made to help the young talents development, predicts new arrivals who are closer to 30 to come in next.

He said, via Football Scotland: “I’ve watched all the games. The performances haven’t been ideal but one player that’s stood out is a player that I’ve spoken about last season. I think this is a big season for him, Diomande. He’s starting to show real quality and I think he’s one player that Rangers could possibly make a small fortune off.

“I like everything about him. He can get about the pitch, very athletic, very good on the ball, works hard… he’s got a lot of very good attributes. He came in in January and I saw signs. But this pre-season, he’s the one that’s stood out for me. That’s the sort of model that Rangers are trying to get to.

“Bring players in and move them on for a small fortune. But in amongst that, you still have to have experience. Guys that can help these players grow as footballers. So I expect the next batch of Rangers signings, depending on people going out the door, I think there will be players who are 27, 28, 29 years of age.”

Mohamed Diomande stands out in difficult Ranger preseason

Philippe Clement has so far focused on signings for the long-term in the two windows he’s had at Ibrox and may have got it right in a big way with Diomande.

Connor Barron’s arrival after his exit from Aberdeen is another signing which could prove to be hugely beneficial to the Light Blues over a number of seasons before a potential profit in the transfer market.

There is also said to be “genuine interest” in Manchester United’s 21-year-old Hannibal Mejbri who Fabrizio Romano reported on 29 July could leave Old Trafford within a matter of days.

But after three seasons of coming up short to Celtic in the title race the Belgian knows he has to balance the future with the here and now.

Ferguson’s brother Derek has highlighted to Ibrox News how “massive” it is to have experience in central midfield and Rangers have tried to secure that with multiple loan offers for Sevilla’s Joan Jordan [Fernando Serrano, 24 July].

But that move appears to be off after Rangers Review reported on 28 July that the club had pulled out of talks.

The start of the season is a matter of days away so if Clement and Nils Koppen are going to add the experienced options that Ferguson is expecting time is of the essence.

In other Rangers news, Clement has responded to the latest reports on a deal to sign Lawrence Shankland.

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