Rangers target will now ‘leave for nothing’ as Ibrox outfit saved from £2.5m fee

Rangers target will now ‘leave for nothing’ as Ibrox outfit saved from £2.5m fee

FC Twente might have made roughly £2.5 million by selling Gijs Smal last summer,

but the Eredivisie star is now set to ‘leave for nothing’ as Celtic join Scottish Premiership rivals Rangers in the hunt for his services.

After topping the Eredivisie assist records in 2022/23, setting up ten goals for his thankful teammates, the highly-rated left-back has struggled this season.

Gijs Smal missed the first few months due to injuries. And, despite recovering to full fitness before Christmas,

his form has frequently fallen short of expectations in recent months.

That, however, has not stopped a variety of clubs both at home and abroad from running the rule over a 26-year-old who may still prove to  be an outstanding bit of business on a free transfer.

Rangers now face Celtic’s struggle for Gijs Smal.

Rangers remain intrigued, having considered Smal during the January transfer window. Given the location of this week’s update,

Rotterdam-based 1908, it should come as no surprise that Feyenoord is also referenced.

However, with Celtic also looking for a left-sided full-back – Alexandro Bernabei joined Brazilian club Internacional on Thursday – Rangers may face competition from across the city, with Twente apparently prepared to lose one of their best assets for nothing.

“I do think that clubs are really interested in Gijs Smal,” says Dutch reporter and Twente expert Leon ten Voorde on TC Tubantia’s Warming Up podcast.

“(Not obtaining a move last summer) was a major disappointment for him. Also for Twente. If he leaves, he will not have to pay a transfer fee.

Eredivisie Ace will be available for free.

Smal was apparently valued at roughly six million euros in a prior round. Even if Twente had been able to sell him back in 2023, Ten Voorde believes the Enschede club would have been lucky to receive even ‘half’ of that price.

“(£2.5 million) would have been a nice amount,” the reporter says. “If he leaves (this summer) – which is not yet clear – he will leave for nothing.”

As Ten Voorde alludes to, Twente has not yet given up on agreeing on new terms with Smal, even if only to ensure he does not depart on a free transfer.

Rangers, who are also interested in Fluminense’s APOEL loanee Jefte Vital, are expected to consider the Dutchman as a replacement for the similarly out-of-form Borna Barisic, with Ridvan Yilmaz establishing himself as first-choice under Philippe Clement.

Rangers, who are pursuing the title, will go to Hibernian on Sunday after a well-earned 2-2 Europa League draw at Benfica.

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