Haris Belkebla has been reliable for Brest throughout the campaign (Getty Images)
According to L’Equipe (h/t Daily Record), Rangers are interested in signing Stade Brest midfielder Haris Belkebla in the summer.
Belkebla, 26, rose through the youth ranks at Valenciennes before making his breakthrough at Tours FC. After making 149 appearances for Tours FC in four years, he signed for Brest in the summer of 2018. He played a key role in Brest’s promotion to France’s top-flight last summer and has been an integral member of the squad.
He is contracted with the Ligue 1 outfit until 2022 but his impressive performances have garnered attention from RC Lens, as per the report. The midfielder has enjoyed a consistent season in the French top-flight. Thus, Rangers should attempt to secure his signature this summer.
The Gers, meanwhile, have been inconsistent this season despite making a good start. They have once again fallen in front of Celtic’s dominance and have struggled to reach the top in the past few years. Despite having a good set of players, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has failed to get the best out of them.
However, they must bring an end to the Hoops’ dominance and stop them from winning their 10th league title in a row. For that to happen, the managers should make sure that he has depth in every and should bring in reinforcements this summer.
Rangers have a plethora of midfield talents in their ranks in Scott Arfield, Joe Aribo, Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Steven Davies. While they have been decent for the majority of the campaigns, the Gers’ midfield lacked consistency.
While Arfield has led the team brilliantly, Jack struggled with injuries and could not make it up to every game day. Aribo and Kamara also did well but they have not been consistent. And if Rangers are to take their game to the next level, a midfielder is a must in the summer.
In that regard, Brest’s Belkebla would be a boost for the club. The Algerian played a key role in the French outfit’s promotion last season and also impressed with his steady form in the top-flight this term. He featured in 22 games in Ligue 1 this season, mainly as a defensive midfielder. He is capable of playing in both the advanced and the deep-lying roles.
The 28-year-old’s inclusion would definitely add depth to Gerrard’s squad, whilst also bringing in healthy competition. He has the ability to succeed at the top and he could be consistent for Rangers in the middle of the park.
With Arfield and Davies already beyond 30 and reaching the rear end of their career, Rangers should look to bring in midfielders. Thus, Rangers should lure the Algerian to Ibrox this summer.