“Ex-Rangers Star Abdallah Sima Set for Shock Ligue 1 Move as Brest Close in on Loan Deal”
Abdallah Sima is on the verge of another loan move following his impressive season with Rangers, as reported by Foot Mercato. On August 20, the French outlet revealed that Brest has accelerated negotiations with Brighton to secure Sima on a season-long loan without an option to buy, and an agreement is near.
Santi Aouna, a journalist from Foot Mercato, also shared on X that the Senegalese international has already agreed to the move and is physically ready, with both clubs finalizing the details.
Rangers had hoped to bring the 23-year-old back to Ibrox on loan this season, according to Rangers Review (August 20). Their hopes were lifted when Sima was omitted from Brighton’s squad for their recent match against Everton.
While Rangers manager Philippe Clement had expressed optimism about the possibility of Sima returning later in the transfer window, the £7 million price tag was a hurdle the club couldn’t overcome, as reported by the Daily Record on July 15.
The news that Sima is moving on a straight loan to another club will likely disappoint Rangers, as a similar deal could have been feasible for them. Sima made a strong impact in the Scottish Premiership last season, scoring 11 league goals and five more across all competitions, and had shown interest in staying at the club.
Brighton, who signed Sima three years ago but have yet to give him his debut, may be looking to test him in Ligue 1 and increase his market value through this loan.
In January, when Sima was sidelined for three months due to injury, Oscar Cortes was seen as the ideal replacement, according to the Daily Record (January 29). The Colombian has now returned on a loan-to-buy deal this summer, but like Sima, he has been quickly sidelined with injuries, further weakening Clement’s squad.