David Bates has urged Rangers to sign Fashion Sakala as Alfredo Morelos’ strike partner and not his replacement.
The Oostende forward announced on Saturday that he is joining Gers on a free transfer.
Former Ibrox defender Bates faced Sakala while on loan at Belgian side Cercle Brugge and believes the 24-year-old can add something different to Steven Gerrard’s side.
Many see Sakala as the man to fill the boots of Morelos, who will attract interest this summer. But Bates says they’d work well as a duo, with the Colombian’s strength and power alongside the Zambian’s pace.
Bates told MailSport: “It will be difficult for Sakala with Alfredo still there but it could also work out well because of the way he plays.
“I don’t think Sakala would be a replacement because they are different types.
“Maybe that’s why Rangers were looking to get him - because he gives them something they’ve not got.
“They would probably play well together because Alfredo has that strength about him. Sakala’s smaller, very quick and makes runs into space.
“He also gets himself into good positions in the box and he’s got himself a few goals this season. But Sakala is definitely a striker who needs to play alongside someone, instead of being up on his own.
“He needs someone to play off because he won’t win aerial battles for you or drop deep, make little passes and link play.
“He’ll be off the front, chasing things down and trying to run in behind to stretch defences.
“He definitely offers something different to what Rangers have.
“He’s got lots of pace and he will chase defenders down. If you’re a pressing team, he will do well for you.”
Bates wasn’t surprised to hear Rangers and Lille being linked with Sakala after he enjoyed a productive season at Oostende beside strike partner Makhtar Gueye.
The Scotland defender, who returns to Hamburg next season, believes it’s a Bosman gamble worth taking for Gerrard.
He added: “Along with Gueye, they did really well this season so it doesn’t surprise me that clubs like Rangers are interested.
“Sakala is still raw but as a free transfer you can see why Rangers are after him.
“It will be hard for Sakala to get into the starting line-up but it’s tough for any player to go to Rangers and get used to their style of play right away.”
