Rangers could bring FC Metz’s Koffi Kouao to Ibrox in the summer. Danny Röhl’s side have to overcome competition from Sunderland and others for his signature.
The right-back’s contract situation and performances have already caught Sunderland’s attention. Rangers could probably challenge the Black Cats
He has two months left on his contract. Earlier this week, the 27-year-old took to social media to confirm his decision to leave Metz after this season and L’Equipe have relayed his comments.
“It’s been four seasons of ups and downs, joys and sadness. But I’ve always tried to give everything on the pitch for this club, and to live up to expectations off it. Three more matches to finish the season strong. But it has been an honour,” he said.
Röhl’s side can bring him to Ibrox for free as long as they beat Sunderland and others.
The Ivorian joined the Ligue 1 side from Portuguese side Vizela in August 2022 and has been a regular. He played 113 matches, managing three goals and eight assists of which two goals and two assists are from 28 matches this season.
His Ligue 1 stats are as follows:
- Appearances: 26
- Starts: 26
- Interceptions per game: 1.1
- Tackles per game: 2.7
- Possession won (final third): 0.3
- Recoveries per game: 4.9
- Clearances per game: 2.6
- Blocked shots per game: 0.5
- Duels won per game: 5.4
Sunderland face competition
Media Foot cover the latest on Koffi Kouao’s future and the options he has to pick from in the next window.
Régis Le Bris’ side have had him in their sights since December and continue to show interest. He isn’t the only right-back on their radar. Two months ago, Sport Witness relayed news of the Black Cats’ interest in Galatasaray’s Roland Sallai.
Sunderland are still keen on the FC Metz fullback and the report adds discussions are underway with a club from the Bundesliga and the Scottish Premiership.
Media Foot specifically don’t mention their details but do state Rangers are looking for a player with Ivorian’s profile, with the hint Danny Röhl’s side are the Scottish club in the mix.
Kouao and his agent haven’t made a decision yet and are waiting to find out if more clubs will join the chase.
Our take: Rangers need new right-back
Danny Röhl has James Tavernier, Max Aarons and Dujon Sterling as the three right-backs at Ibrox.
Tavernier has announced his decision to leave Rangers after this season while Aarons is on loan from AFC Bournemouth.
With the duo’s exits, Röhl’s needs to sign at least one right-back and Koffi Kouao can be an option. Transfermarkt value the FC Metz player at €2.5m.
