Andreas Skov Olsen to Rangers latest as 'weapon' arrives at training ground to finalise deal in major boost to title hopes
Rangers are preparing to unveil their third signing of the January window - and head coach Danny Rohl has been discussing further transfer activity
Rangers boss Danny Rohl reckons incoming arrival Andreas Skov Olsen could be the latest “weapon” in his side’s title assault - with the winger on the brink f becoming the club’s third January signing.
The Ibrox side are expected to finalise a loan deal for the £12 million-rated Danish international from Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg, with the player arriving at the Rangers Training Centre this afternoon to undergo his medical ahead of an official unveiling.
Skov Olsen will follow new additions Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens through the door after the Light Blues reach an agreement with their German counterparts over a temporary transfer until the end of the season.
It’s believed the 26-year-old has turned down offers from clubs across Europe to head to Glasgow in what is a real statement of intent by head coach Rohl and the Gers’ hierarchy as they attempt to wrestle back the Premiership title.
Confirmation of his signing is expected before tomorrow night’s Scottish Cup tie at home to Annan Athletic, with Rohl convinced that Skov Olsen could prove to be a difference maker in their three-way battle with Hearts and Celtic to clinch the league crown this term.
Follow our GlasgowWorld - Rangers Facebook page to get all the latest news stories on the Light Blues
“I’m not a good poker player but, yeah, we are in the process and it looks very positive,” Rohl said. “I’ve been asking for a left footer on the right wide so it gives us different profiles. He scored a lot of goals in Brugge and now it’s about us. If he comes, and if we can bring him back to his best performance, then of course he’d be a good loan signing.
“You see the potential in players. And I think we have some good role models here from the last couple of weeks. That helps us get some players here to see how we can develop them in the short term. If we can bring the best out of him then he’s a weapon in his position. In the final third, with decision-making, we still have space for some improvements.
“In our last game against Aberdeen, we had some good moments but didn’t have enough players in the box. We have players around the danger areas but in the final action, we’ve missed some good opportunities. The new signings should help us in that area to create more chances to score. This title race is very close at the moment, there are three teams fighting for something.
“We’ll do our job the best we can. In the last couple of weeks we’ve been very clear one what we have to do to go forward. There are still 14 or 15 days left in the window so let’s see what's possible in the market. If you have three players in very early, then so far we’ve done a good job.”
Rangers negotiate option-to-buy deal for highly-rated Danish international
Rangers have also negotiated an option-to-buy Skov Olsen in the summer as the attacker looks to re-ignite his career following an underwhelming stint at Wolfsburg. Should he impress over the coming months, the Govan giants could then splash out around £8m to secure his services long-term.
Rohl admitted: “It’s difficult to speak too much about it but, yeah, look at the facts. He was a big signing for Wolfsburg. We always try to make sure that if we get players in, we have a chance for a permanent. Sometimes it’s possible, sometimes it’s not possible. But I can’t say any more on the details.”
Rohl was full of praise for American chairman Andrew Cavenagh for his continued backing in the transfer window to date, insisting they’re not done yet in the market.
He stated: “How we’re set up at the moment, our communication and direction is great. Andrew is very helpful, he’s very much on the front foot and I like this. We are very clear on what we want. I give my opinion and recommendation then the recruitment team gives me theirs.
“They suggest players then we sit together, look through video, data and make some calls to see how their character is. Then we look to see if a deal is possible. At the moment, we’re very strong because we’re making strong decisions. We are not just talking, we’re really acting at the moment and doing this is great.
“We’ve prepared everything and we have to continue to strengthen our squad. Because we have to be very competitive in the second half of the season. I cannot tell you an exact number but we are still looking for some more positions.
“It’s no secret with the injury to Connor (Barron) that it changed what we needed as well in this position. We have strong players, with Chukwuani a new one, but there’s still a long way to go and we have to make sure our midfield is strong.”
Rohl: ‘It’s my responsibility to get the best out of them’
Rohl admits now down to him to make sure he brings out the best in his new additions and keep getting results, adding: “It’s my responsibility now, with the club supporting me and investing in the squad, to get the best out of them.
“I wasn’t here in the summer and maybe in October we thought, are these players ready? But now you see these players can play here. You have the feeling now that our players can play for Rangers. The shirt looks a little lighter now than it was three months ago. We have more confidence and we’re going to difficult places and taking results. But that was yesterday, now we have to show it again.”
Latest recruit Rommens won’t feature against Annan and is expected to take a few weeks to get full up to speed, with Rohl admitting: “We have to build him up in the next few days so that he’s ready to play games. He won’t be available for 10 to 14 days because we have to make sure with him.”