Bongani Zungu moves to Rangers on loan from Amiens

Rangers have announced the signing of midfielder Bungani Zungu on loan from Amiens.

The South African joins until the end of the season and joins Steven Gerrard’s side as they push for silverware and progress in Europe.

Rangers have an option to make the deal permanent next summer.

Zungu has been a signing target for the club through the summer and becomes Gerrard’s seventh signing, following John McLaughlin, Calvin Bassey, Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten into Ibrox.

Gerrard told the club’s website: “Bongani fits the profile of player that adds further strength and depth to our midfield. We made it clear that we wanted a player who will enhance our squad and starting XI. We believe Bongani does this.

“We wanted a dominant midfielder with the right profile who can enhance the team and compliment other players we have . We have monitored this situation all summer and now feel it’s the right time.

“Our board have been very supportive throughout the window with seven new signings. We believe we have a squad in place that will compete in all competitions, both domestically and in Europe. This is a pleasing transfer for us and we look forward to Bongani joining up with the squad.”

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson said: “Bongani is a player whose situation we have monitored throughout the window. We are excited to have him join Rangers.

“Following a difficult and prolonged period of lockdown in South Africa, it would have been hard for him to have joined us at an earlier stage of the window. “However, we have kept an open and positive dialogue with Bongani and Amiens, and the structure of this agreement works well for all parties.

“The financial impact of coronavirus is being felt by all clubs in a market that has been like no other that I’ve ever experienced.

“We are pleased with the work we have done during the window across the squad and despite the clear challenges brought by the virus, our board have been keen to continue to invest in the development of the squad and the club.”

The 27-year-old began his career at University of Pretoria before signing for Mamelodi Sundowns, where he caught the eye of Vitoria Guimaraes.

Zungu spent only one season in Portugal before making the switch to Amiens, where he has been playing since 217.