Zhipan Sport

Rangers midfielder Diomande set for Turkey move as Ibrox club linked with Villa right-back

Aug 10, 02:29 PM

Rangers have reportedly agreed a £4.5m transfer for Mohamed Diomande to Turkish side Corum, while the Ibrox club are also linked with Aston Villa right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic.

Rangers are on the verge of completing the sale of midfielder Mohamed Diomande to Turkish club Corum for a fee in the region of £4.5 million, according to reports in Scotland. The Ivorian midfielder, who joined Rangers from Nordsjaelland in January 2024, is expected to travel to Turkey in the coming days to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms. Diomande has made 50 appearances for Rangers, scoring five goals and providing four assists, but has found regular first-team opportunities limited this season under manager Philippe Clement. The departure of Diomande comes as no surprise, as he has fallen down the pecking order in midfield. Despite his obvious talent, his performances have been inconsistent, particularly in high-pressure matches. The move to Turkey offers Diomande a fresh start and the chance to reignite his career with more regular playing time in the Turkish Super Lig, a league known for its competitive nature and passionate fanbase. Meanwhile, Rangers are also actively looking to strengthen their squad, with reports linking them to Aston Villa's young right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic. The Serbian international has struggled for game time at Villa Park, making only a handful of appearances this season. A move to Ibrox could provide him with the opportunity to play regularly and develop his potential. Rangers are reportedly exploring both a loan and a permanent deal for the 19-year-old. Rangers currently sit second in the Scottish Premiership, trailing Celtic, and need to bolster their squad during the January transfer window to close the gap. The right-back position has been a concern for some time, with captain James Tavernier facing age and injury issues. Nedeljkovic's arrival would add competition and potentially provide a long-term solution for the position. The sale of Diomande will provide Rangers with funds to reinvest in new signings, but the club must also balance their books to comply with UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations. Rangers fans are cautiously optimistic about the club's transfer strategy, hoping that the management makes wise decisions to improve the overall quality of the squad. For Diomande, the move to Corum represents a significant step in his career. Turkish clubs have increasingly attracted players from Africa and Europe, offering competitive salaries and a high level of football. If Diomande adapts quickly, he could become a key figure in Corum's midfield and help the team achieve their objectives in the league. Overall, Rangers' activity in the January transfer window demonstrates their determination to rebuild the squad. The sale of Diomande and the potential signing of Nedeljkovic are just the beginning, with more moves expected before the deadline. Fans will be hoping that the team shows greater strength in the second half of the season and mounts a serious challenge for the league title. While Diomande's departure is a loss, it opens up opportunities for younger players, and Rangers' midfield still possesses sufficient depth. As the transfer window progresses, Rangers' recruitment efforts will be closely monitored. Whether it's the sale of Diomande or the potential arrival of Nedeljkovic, these moves will have a significant impact on the club's future. Rangers must strike a balance between competitiveness and financial stability, which will be a key challenge for the management team.