Nils Koppen faces more scrutiny as Rangers called out by Premier League manager

Nils Koppen is set to face even more scrutiny after Rangers were called out by Southampton boss Russell Martin over Samuel Edozie’s collapsed transfer.

 

The Gers had agreed a deal to sign Southampton’s Edozie on a last-gasp loan deal, as per Jacob Tanswell, though it fell through at the 11th hour due to a £1million loan fee and £30,000 in weekly wages [The Sun].

The former Manchester City youngster was said to be “keen” on the move to Ibrox [The Athletic], and now his manager has come out swinging at the Scottish club after the deal fell through.

 

Speaking to the Daily Echo [1 September], Russell Martin said: “What frustrated me was how late it fell through and it wasn’t on our end.

 

“I think it’s a bit unfair to Sam really. It’s a bit disappointing but it is what it is. Every club has their prerogative and their priorities in the transfer window.”

Nils Koppen to face the music after Rangers pull plug on Samuel Edozie deal

Given that the Gers are believed to have spent as much as £2.1million on 21-year-old Hamza Igamane [The Scottish Sun, 22 June], the demands over Edozie do not sound outrageous.

 

The 21-year-old winger has plenty of experience since departing the Etihad Stadium, notching six goals and three assists for the Saints in 63 appearances, and could have solved the current problems on the left flank.

Philippe Clement has confirmed that Oscar Cortes is now back in training, while Rabbi Matondo has withdrawn from the Wales squad with a new injury [Cymru official X].

Given that the former’s problems are nothing new, it remains to be seen why Koppen and the Gers left it so late to find a potential addition to provide cover on the flank.

 

It is clear that Clement’s side still needs signings despite a summer of rebuilding at Ibrox, yet the club were still attempting to strike brand-new deals just hours before the transfer window slammed shut.

With Martin speaking out publicly about the deal, it is rather embarrassing that Koppen and Co. couldn’t get it over the line.

 

The whole situation is a confusing one for the fans, especially given the need for a new winger, and Koppen may have to answer for some of the decisions.

 

In other Rangers news, fans have been blasted for their “crazy” Philippe Clement concerns after Celtic defeat.

 

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