Sporting director says Rangers £4.3 million transfer offer ‘impossible’ to ignore
Rangers’ winter offer for this transfer target was too good for his former club to turn down
New Rangers signing Tuur Rommens has already earned praise following his debut against Kilmarnock mid-week.
Former Gers forward Steven Naismith described the left-back as ‘powerful’ as he enjoyed a substitute appearance for his new side in dominant 5-1 win. He contributed to a significan change of pace to the match, which contributed to the comfortable victory.
Rangers announced the signing of Rommens on January 14th but fans had to wait to get a glimpse of the Belgian. But with his debut now under his belt, they will be expecting to see more of the new recruit.
Rangers bid to sign Tuur Rommens was ‘impossible’ to ignore
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises had promised to back Danny Rohl on the winter transfer window, which they did with a significant spending spree to see the likes of Rommens, Ryan Naderi and Tochi Chukwuani arrive at Ibrox.
Rommens joined the club from Belgian side Westerlo for £3.3 million, an offer the club’s technical director admitted they could not turn down. After add-ons, the 22-year-old’s fee could rise to around the £4.3 million region.
Speaking to Belgian outlet GVA, Francesco Carratta it was ‘impossible’ to reject Rangers’ advances for Rommens’ signature.
“Impossible. He has shown added value for three years, with a fantastic mentality and a lot of character. Who are we to stop him? For that boy, it's an opportunity to take a step forward, for us it's a great showcase,” he said.
“It's also a message to the current core and players who will come to Westerlo in the future. Those who perform well are rewarded. If we don't do that, it can create a negative atmosphere in the dressing room. We won't stand in the way of those players. And financially, we've created a nice added value.
“We don't want to let anyone go for a small amount. Four million (Euros) for Rommens was a fair price for a player who still has 1.5 years left on his contract. Moreover, Rangers was the only team that showed interest this winter. With bonuses, that amount could rise to five million (Euros).”
Rommens replaced Jayden Meghoma during Rangers’ clash with Kilmarnock. The Light Blues were 2-0 up when he came on the pitch and they finished the game 5-1, with Rommens contributing an assist on his debut.