Rangers target now ‘completely free’ to leave with 10-assist, star set to go

Gijs Smal is ‘completely free to leave’ FC Twente either this month or in the summer with the Eredivisie ace one of many left-backs under consideration by Scottish Premiership giants Rangers. 

Any player on Rangers’ radar needs to meet a lot of requirements as Philippe Clement’s team searches the market for a new left-sided full-back.

Is he reasonably priced? Is he reachable? And if Borna Barisic leaves after his contract expires in July, can he replace his inventiveness?

Gijs Smal is ticked off, tick, tick, then ticked off again. His contract expires in the summer, and according to Dutch journalist Leon ten Voorde, if Rangers decide to pursue him, Twente won’t obstruct him

Smal also topped the Eredivisie assist charts last season with ten, his delectable pass from out wide evoking memories of Barisic’s own perfect accuracy.

Ten Voorde said on Tubantia’s De Warming-Up podcast, “He also does not sign (his contract), even though he has received a proposal,” with Smal appearing eager to take control of his own destiny.

“As FC Twente, I believe you have to say, ‘Take it or leave it,’ at a certain time. The club Twente is large.
He is at total liberty to travel wherever he pleases. It’s up to him if he wants to go in the summer on a free transfer. Although it is his career and choice, the club remains.

Smal’s form has been erratic this season, but he hasn’t been able to build on his outstanding 2022–2023 results due to a long-term injury.
The top goal creator in Eredivisie

Ten Voorde continues, “The truth is that he didn’t perform well last Wednesday (a 3-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Dutch Cup). It wasn’t the first time either. “He just finds it hard to get into the rhythm after his injury.”

Rangers may still try to sign Fredrik Oppegard, the left-back for PSV. Due to his lack of playing time under Peter Bosz, the Eredivisie leaders have not ruled out trading the Norway under 21 international.

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