SNS GroupRangers has announced the signing of Zambian international striker Fashion Sakala, who will join the club this summer.
Sakala comes from the Belgian side KV Oostende and, subject to international clearance and a work permit being received, will start his four-year deal with the Light Blues having agreed a pre-contract announced on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old scored 13 goals for the Belgian club in its top-flight season and he follows in the footsteps of Kemar Roofe and Ianis Hagi in the move to Ibrox from the Jupiler Pro League.
Speaking after the signing, Sakala said: “I am very much excited to start this exciting journey with Rangers. It has been one of my dreams, and I feel like this is a dream come true to join Rangers – one of the greatest clubs in the world.
“They have a great fanbase and a great history, and I believe we will share great memories together.
“In my role as a striker, I know what the club needs from me and what the fans expect. The club has great players and I just want to learn from them and try to bring something that helps the team get the results.”
Pre-season planning is already well-underway, with the Ibrox side signing Aberdeen forward Scott Wright on a pre-contract agreement in January. Bournemouth midfielder Nnamdi Ofoborh also signed a pre-contract agreement and is expected to join Rangers in the summer.
Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, said: “Fashion is a player who we have been aware of for some time. He fits our profile and has the attributes to not only thrive in Scotland but on the European stage as well. We are excited to see him fulfil his potential under the coaching staff at Auchenowie. We look forward to welcoming him at the beginning of preseason.”
Sporting director, Ross Wilson, said: “We started our planning for next season in January and we are really pleased that Fashion’s commitment to join Rangers is another significant and positive step in that process.
“He had a number of exciting clubs he could move to this summer, but his enthusiasm to join Rangers was clear from early on in our discussions. Fashion has had an excellent season in Belgium and we believe he will develop further still working with all of our staff at the training ground. Fashion is a determined, humble and positive guy and we are sure he will fit the group here.
“We wanted to add more pace and power to the group across January and the summer and I am pleased that we have done that, firstly with Scott Wright and now with Fashion Sakala. I know Steven and the coaches are excited to work with Fashion and I am sure that he will further enhance his growing reputation here with Rangers.“
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