Rangers next superstar signing? ‘Sky is the limit’ for breakout defensive ace
Rangers have been tipped as an ideal destination for one of Europe’s fastest-rising talents in a deal that would fit neatly into the Glasgow giant’s policy of signing up-and-coming players.
Over the course of the summer, Derek McInnes’ side twice spent €32 million, and as they plan for 2027, one name on their shortlist should be Union-SG centre-back Massire Sylla.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a breakout season in Belgium’s top-flight and is the type of player who will attract attention from top clubs in the future.
Rangers, though, can take advantage of his comparatively low profile for now and seal a deal that could see Sylla act as competition – or perhaps a replacement for – Emmanuel Fernandez or the impressive Olwethu Makhanya.
SciSports rates Ibrox as an excellent destination for the Senegal centre-back, with Rangers getting a huge Club Fit score of 84 for the centre-back. Only Rennes and CSKA Moscow (both 85) have a better figure.
Key to Rangers’ prospects of signing Sylla are the strong development opportunities that can be offered to him in Glasgow. The development of Fernandez and, particularly, Makhanya in recent seasons underline these.
Why Massire Sylla could shine at Rangers
The Gers would be getting a top talent, as European football expert Bence Bocsak told FootballTransfers:
“Massire Sylla has seriously impressed me as one of the best young centre-backs playing outside of Europe's top five leagues.
“An impressive physical profile at 6'5 (196cm) who plays as the middle centre-back in Union SG's back three.
“What stands out to me about him is how front-footed he is as a defender. His reaction times are extremely fast. He reads the game well and is able to step in quickly to win the ball time and time again.
“He is very strong in the air. His reading of the ball and understanding of when to engage is impressive. The numbers reflect that, too. He wins 81.4% of his 4.07 aerial duels per 90 minutes.
“Solid in one vs one duels (76.3% defensive duels won from 5.64 per 90 minutes). He is strong and uses his body well to take the ball off his opponent, taking advantage of his physical superiority.
“I think he is comfortable on the ball, has a good technical base. However, sometimes he has room to improve his pass selection. If he can develop that area of his game, his ceiling could be very high.
“For now, I think it's a matter of time until he makes the step-up to a mid-level team in Europe's top five leagues.
“At just 21 years old, the sky is the limit.”
The key doubt surrounding the Gers is Derek McInnes’ insistence on playing a back four. Sylla, by contrast, has typically featured in a three at USG.
While this leaves him untested in Rangers’ system, Bocsak does not believe that will be a hurdle to his success away from Union.
“I think he is more than capable of playing in a back four as well. Interestingly, he was even used as a midfielder in his younger years when playing in Norway,” he adds.
Why Rangers have to act fast
If Rangers are going to sign Sylla, they will have to do it soon. Not only is his reputation growing, but so too is his transfer valuation.
He started the year with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of around €500,000, but this has more than doubled and in FootballTransfers’ latest update grew to €1.1 million.
Union, though, will be eyeing a far higher fee, though, for one of their brightest young talents – particularly from a direct rival of Hearts given the links of both to Jamestown Analytics.
Sylla is still attainable for the Gers, though. In another year, he may not be.
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