Rangers have confirmed the signing of Zambian striker Fashion Sakala on a pre-contract agreement.
The KV Oostende front man has been in talks with the Ibrox club for a number of weeks and has agreed to make the summer switch to Glasgow from Belgium.
Sakala will pen a four-year deal after his contract with the Belgian club expires this summer and subject to him receiving the required work permit and international clearance.
The player has scored 13 times for Oostende this season in the Belgian top-flight and takes what is fast becoming a well-trodden path to Govan.
New teammates Ianis Hagi and Kemar Roofe both made the same move last summer from Genk and Anderlecht respectively.
Speaking for the first time after agreeing to become a Rangers player, Sakala said: “I am very much excited to start this exciting journey with Rangers. It has been one of my dreams, and I feel like this is a dream come true to join Rangers – one of the greatest clubs in the world.
“They have a great fanbase and a great history, and I believe we will share great memories together.
“As a player you always strive to play for others – that is the most important strength which keeps me going. I know that Rangers have great players and I am looking forward to learning from them and deliver.
“In my role as a striker, I know what the club needs from me and what the fans expect. The club has great players and I just want to learn from them and try to bring something that helps the team get the results.”
Steven Gerrard admitted Sakala has been on his radar for some time, explaining: “Fashion is a player who we have been aware of for some time. He fits our profile and has the attributes to not only thrive in Scotland but on the European stage as well. We are excited to see him fulfil his potential under the coaching staff at Auchenowie. We look forward to welcoming him at the beginning of pre season.”
Sporting director Ross Wilson added: “We started our planning for next season in January and we are really pleased that Fashion’s commitment to join Rangers is another significant and positive step in that process.
“He had a number of exciting clubs he could move to this summer, but his enthusiasm to join Rangers was clear from early on in our discussions. Fashion has had an excellent season in Belgium and we believe he will develop further still working with all of our staff at the training ground. Fashion is a determined, humble and positive guy and we are sure he will fit the group here.
“We wanted to add more pace and power to the group across January and the summer and I am pleased that we have done that, firstly with Scott Wright and now with Fashion Sakala. I know Steven and the coaches are excited to work with Fashion and I am sure that he will further enhance his growing reputation here with Rangers.“
