Paddy Kenny has urged Glasgow Rangers to complete the signing of Siriki Dembele from Peterborough United this summer.
The Lowdown: Gers linked with Dembele
The Gers have been linked with a move for Dembele (Glasgow Live), who recently earned promotion to the English Championship from League One with Posh and has been described as "absolutely brilliant" by his manager Darren Ferguson.
The 24-year-old has been offered a new contract to stay with his current employers (Peterborough Today), but he is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
The Latest: Kenny urges deal to be completed
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has urged the Gers to complete the deal, and he believes that Dembele could not turn down a move to Ibrox. The former goalkeeper said:
"It’s a clever move and clever way of doing things, waiting for players to get near the end of their contracts.
"Even if it’s a bit of a gamble, you might even end up getting someone you want on a free, then it’s only costing you wages.
"Peterborough have had an amazing season, getting promoted to the Championship. So I’m sure that if he’s been good enough to play there he could be a success at Rangers.
"If you’ve got the chance to go there, you can’t really turn it down. If it’s a choice between that and Peterborough, I’m afraid to say it’s got to be Rangers.
"As I’ve said before, the manager makes a massive difference too."
The Verdict: Top talent
Dembele has enjoyed a very good season with Peterborough in 2020/21, scoring 12 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions (Transfermarkt). Promotion to the Championship means that, if he stays, he will be performing at a higher level next term.
However, as Kenny says, a move to the Gers could be too good to turn down. As the Scottish champions, they will have a chance of playing in the Champions League group stages, something which seems far beyond Peterborough at this moment. If the Gers come calling, it should be an easy decision for Dembele to make.
In other news, this Gers legend is worried about one man's potential departure.