'Surprising' transfer to Rangers does not kill mood at club ahead of next game - report

Robin Propper’s “surprising” transfer to Rangers has not ruined the mood at FC Twente ahead of their season opener, according to Salzburger Nachrichten.

The Austrian newspaper reported [5 August, page 19] that the Eredivisie side’s mood has not been killed ahead of their Champions League qualification clash against RB Salzburg on Tuesday 6 August.

The Gers signed Twente’s captain in a £2.7million deal, and while the defender was unavailable to face Hearts on Saturday 3 August, he is likely to add some much-needed experience to the backline.

Philippe Clement adds Robin Propper to Rangers squad

While Twente are not feeling the effects of Propper’s exit yet, the Gers will be extremely excited to be adding more defensive reinforcements to the squad.

The centre-back partnership of Ben Davies and John Souttar was not quite enough to convince the fans, albeit able to keep a clean sheet against free-scoring Lawrence Shankland at Tynecastle.

Although Leon Balogun, 36, was also available, having signed a one-year extension during the summer, his age suggests that he will play a bit-part role for Philippe Clement.

The veteran was involved against the Jam Tarts, replacing Davies on the hour-mark to add some calmness to the backline as Steven Naismith’s side pushed for a home win in the opening game of the campaign.

A new defensive signing will have been top of the priority list following Connor Goldson’s emotional exit to Aris Limassol, and Propper will be keen to get his career started in Scotland.

The 30-year-old, while lacking experience in European competitions, has racked up 350 appearances across spells with De Graafschap, Heracles and Twente, also being a former Netherlands youth international.

If Rangers want to pip their Old Firm rivals Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title this season, a sound defensive unit will be key for Clement and his team.

In other Rangers news, Oscar Cortes madness in Gers v Hearts sends Tynecastle crazy on BBC.

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