Rangers transfer news: Stats show why Luke Graham is perfect Nasser Djiga replacement
Rangers have been heavily linked with Dundee’s Luke Graham over the past few weeks.
The 22-year-old centre-back has heavily impressed at the Dark Blues this season and has been a mainstay in the starting XI.
The need for a new defender in the summer at Ibrox has been heightened by the expected departure of Nasser Djiga, who could return to his parent club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, after his loan spell.
However, Graham’s stats indicate that the Dundee star is not only capable of replacing him but would actually be better than Djiga.
Below, Football Insider has compared the two defenders to see if Rangers should make a sensational move for the Scotland Under 21 international.
🔄 Rangers Transfer Update 🔄
Breaking news on latest signings, departures, and contract news from the Ibrox boardroom.
VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBLuke Graham would be a considerable upgrade on Nasser Djiga
Since returning from his loan spell at Falkirk, Graham has become a star at Dundee.
The centre-back has started 30 of their 31 Scottish Premiership fixtures this season as they look to avoid a relegation battle in their final matches.
| Luke Graham fact file | |
| Place of birth | Scone, Scotland |
| Age | 22 |
| Height | Six foot three inches |
| Positions | Centre-back, left back |
| Clubs played for | Dundee, Lochee United (loan), Albion Rovers (loan), Montrose (loan), Falkirk (loan) |
| Honours | East Region Junior League Cup x1, Scottish Championship x1 |
According to his stats on Fotmob on 3 April, it is no wonder that he has become a key player at Dens Park.
Overall, he is averaging 7.80 duels won, 1.55 tackles, 1.28 interceptions, 3.97 recoveries, 0.98 blocked shots and 0.40 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.
In comparison, many of Djiga’s stats in these categories are worse, especially after heavily struggling at the start of his loan spell.
As a result, everything points towards Graham being an upgrade on Djiga, and Rangers should do everything in their power to try and secure the centre-back in the summer transfer window.
Who else are Rangers interested in?
Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Rangers are interested in Luca Stephenson ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Liverpool right-back has impressed on loan to Dundee United this season, with Celtic also keeping an eye on the 22-year-old.
The Reds are said to be willing to part with Stephenson in the transfer window if the price is right.
So far this season, he has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Dundee United, scoring five goals and picking up four assists.
However, it remains to be seen if Danny Rohl’s side are able to win the race for the defender, with the Gers already having plenty of targets.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Get the full story from Ibrox and Auchenhowie with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.