Genk's Joakim Maehle Pedersen and Oostende's Fashion Junior Sakala fight for the ball during the Jupiler Pro League match between KRC Genk and KV Oostende, Monday 28 September 2020 in Genk, on day 7 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' first division of the Belgian soccer championship. BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR (Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
According to the Daily Record, Scottish champions Rangers have signed Zambian striker Fashion Sakala on a pre-contract agreement.
The 24-year-old Sakala started out at Nchanga Rangers in his homeland and had a stint with Zanaco FC, before securing a move to Europe in 2017, when he joined Spartak Moscow.
Sakala, though, never made a first-team appearance for the Russian giants, instead featuring for the club’s reserve side before signing for KV Oostende in the summer of 2018. Although, Betopin.com has good odds on Sakala becoming the next big thing under the tutelage of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
During his three-year stay with the Belgian outfit, Sakala has featured 98 times for the club, scoring 28 goals and setting up nine more for his teammates. The Zambian has been particularly impressive this term, bagging 13 goals in 25 league games. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With Sakala’s contract with Oostende set to expire at the ongoing season, the striker was free to negotiate with clubs from abroad. And, as per the aforementioned report, the 24-year-old has reached a pre-contract agreement to join Rangers on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. Fashion Sakala would also become the first ever Zambian professional footballer to play in the Scottish League.
Sakala has signed a four-year contract with the Scottish champions and becomes their second summer arrival after the club had agreed a pre-contract deal with Nnamdi Ofoborh back in January.
“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.”
While on the other side, Rangers manager, Steven Gerrard, said: “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.”
With Jermain Defoe’s contract expiring at the end of the season, Rangers needed to bolster their attacking unit. And, they have managed to do just that with the signing of Sakala, while not spending a penny on transfer fees.
Will Sakala go on to become what Rangers are looking out for? Only time will tell. However, it looks to be a shrewd move by the club who have just completed their Invincible season.
