“Rangers’ Sima Dilemma: Will Brighton’s Star Forward Make a Dramatic Ibrox Return?”
Rangers fans continue to have Abdallah Sima at the top of their wish list for potential summer signings. The Brighton forward, who spent last season on loan at Ibrox, made a significant impact during his time there, and the feeling was mutual. However, with Brighton controlling Sima’s future, any discussions about his return to Rangers have been delayed until the final stages of the transfer window.
Currently, Rangers acknowledge that they can’t meet Brighton’s demands for the 23-year-old Senegalese forward, even though Sima has made it clear he wants to return to Glasgow. New Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has hinted at Sima’s uncertain position in the revamped Seagulls squad.
Sima was notably absent from Brighton’s squad in their recent 4-0 pre-season win against Villarreal, with new signings Yankuba Minteh and Kaoru Mitoma preferred over him. Sima has also been left out of Brighton’s last two pre-season friendlies in the UK, despite participating in the club’s tour of Japan.
Rangers have expressed a strong desire to bring Sima back this summer, and the striker has shown interest in returning, especially given his support for Rangers in the Champions League. The only obstacle remains the transfer fee, with Rangers manager Philippe Clement stating that the club has different budgets depending on whether they qualify for the Champions League. Clement has a close relationship with Sima and remains hopeful that a mutually beneficial transfer agreement can be reached, though it hinges on Brighton’s asking price.