Rangers are reportedly at the front of the queue to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga starlet Noah Mbamba in January despite interest from Bayern Munich and Premier League champions Manchester City.
Even the most optimistic and rose-tinted of Rangers supporters would have to accept that, in a transfer battle with two of the biggest and most deep-pocketed clubs on the planet, few would give Philippe Clement’s team much of a chance of coming out on top.
But there is a reason why Rangers, per TEAMtalk, are ‘currently ahead’ of Man City and co to secure Noah Mbamba’s services.
Having only signed Mbamba last summer from Club Brugge, Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen would obviously prefer not to sell the 18-year-old only a few months into his Bay Arena career.
But a loan move, giving him the chance to play the sort of regular first-team football which appears unattainable under Xabi Alonso at present? That is an option which may prove far more tempting. Especially considering that Rangers boss Philippe Clement is already a confirmed admirer of the Belgium U19 international.
A Rangers reunion for Noah Mbamba
“He shows a lot in training every day,” former Club Brugge boss Clement said after handing Mbamba his first-team debut at just 16 back in 2021.
“He has worked a lot but be careful. The road is still long. I will do with him as with Charles De Ketelaere (who eventually joined AC Milan for £30 million). Let him grow and give him playing time without asking too much of him. He must grow step by step.”
Handed his debut by Philippe Clement
Mbamba moved to Leverkusen last summer and has played twice so far in Germany’s top flight. A reunion with Clement at Ibrox should, in theory, open the door for more regular minutes. Especially given Mbamba’s ability to play both in midfield and in defence.
That versatility, meanwhile, has seen Mbamba be likened to a young Vincent Kompany, the Football Talent Scout website singling out the teenager’s pace, his reading of the game, his passing range and his tackling ability as his main attributes.
