Ex-Celtic boss blown away by ‘wonderful talent’ close to joining Rangers
Rangers are rapidly closing in on a January move for Saint-Etienne star Pierre Ekwah as they bid to add to their squad.
The former Sunderland star has been away from British football since he left to join Saint-Etienne in the summer of 2024, but his status with the French side has become increasingly difficult since then.
Rangers were linked with a move for Ekwah in the summer, as he refused to train for Saint-Etienne following their relegation from Ligue 1.
The midfielder still hasn’t played for Les Verts this season and has technically had his contract terminated amid an ongoing legal issue.
The Gers failed to complete a move for the 23-year-old in the previous window, but with Danny Rohl now at the helm, it could be a totally different story this time around.
Tony Mowbray once branded Pierre Ekwah as a ‘wonderful talent’
Both Celtic and Rangers showed an interest in Ekwah in the summer, but neither opted to rescue the youngster from his challenging situation at his current club.
However, a report from French outlet Sport has now indicated that the Gers are in talks with the ex-Sunderland man ahead of the upcoming window.
Italian side Udinese and a third unnamed club have also entered negotiations with the outcast star, and it seems increasingly likely that a deal could finally take place.
Rangers find themselves right in the thick of the race for his signature, and they will take encouragement from the fact that he has previously been lavishly praised by a former bitter rival.
Ex-Celtic boss Tony Mowbray had Ekwah as part of his group at Sunderland in 2022-23, and he branded the youngster as a “wonderful talent” in an interview with The Northern Echo.
The 62-year-old also added that the starlet had a “huge future in front of him,” and Rangers will hope that he can fulfil that potential at Ibrox.
Rangers must heed Mowbray’s warning over Ekwah
Ekwah could become one of Rangers’ first additions of the January window, but it is a signing that they will need to be extremely careful with.
The Frenchman has already shown his tendency to be a little petulant with the way that his Saint-Etienne stint has fallen apart, and Rohl and Co. also have a clear warning from Mowbray that they must bear in mind.
The veteran boss suggested back in 2023 that he felt as though he sometimes had to “give him a slap” before Ekwah started games, which must surely be a consideration for Rohl and his staff.
Rangers desperately need reinforcements to their group as they aim to claw their way into the Premiership title race, but they must also ensure that they recruit the right characters.
Ekwah’s attitude has clearly raised eyebrows at times, and that will provide concern at Ibrox as talks progress.