Why Rangers signing Jakub Jankto would bolster their midfield

A report from Sky Italia (h/t Daily Record) back in November claimed that Rangers were expected to move for Sampdoria midfielder Jakub Jankto in the January window. 

The Czech Republic international had been linked with a move to Ibrox this past summer. While the Gers were left frustrated in their attempts to bring the 25-year-old to the club back then, the report tipped Steven Gerrard’s side to resume their pursuit of the midfielder during the mid-season trading period. 

Profile

Jakub Jankto started his footballing education at Slavia Prague in his homeland before moving to Italy with Udinese in 2014. After progressing at the youth level, the midfielder furthered his development on loan at Ascoli in the second-tier. Following his return, Jankto made his first-team breakthrough in the Serie A during the 2016-17 season.

The Czech star went on to establish himself as a key cog in Udinese’s midfield, bagging 11 goals and 10 assists in 69 appearances over two seasons. Jankto was transferred to Sampdoria in 2018 and has since amassed 7 goals and 9 assists in 77 appearances across all competitions for the Italian outfit. 

The versatile central midfielder made his senior international debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has scored thrice from 30 caps for his nation so far.

Rangers’ current midfield scenario

Rangers are currently pretty well-stocked in the middle of the park with Steven Davis, Joe Aribo, Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and Glen Kamara all competing for places. The Gers roped in Bongani Zungu on a season-long loan deal from Amiens this past summer to bolster their options even further. 

However, the South African international hasn’t quite made the impact at Ibrox that was expected of him. Zungu has been limited to a bit-part role under Gerrard, featuring only 9 times as a substitute in the Scottish Premiership so far this season. Rangers have the option of signing him permanently but that looks highly unlikely at the moment.

Gerrard, though, should be on the lookout for fresh additions to his midfield with an eye on the future. Despite being 36, Davis has already played more than 30 games this season while Arfield, 32, isn’t getting any younger. With Jack also having his fair share of struggles with injuries, Rangers can certainly do with more competition for places.

A quality addition?

The Gers should pursue a deal for Jakub Jankto this month in a bid to ensure long-term stability. While essentially a central midfielder by trade, Jankto is capable of playing in a wide variety of roles across the pitch.

The Czech star has featured prominently in a left-sided role and also further up top as a No.10 due to his eye for goals and assists.

Read more

• Why Dan Glazer to Rangers would bolster their midfield
• Why Rangers should continue their pursuit of Patrik Hrosovsky

With close to 140 career appearances in the Serie A, it goes without saying that Jankto would be an excellent addition to Rangers’ midfield. The 25-year-old still has his best years ahead of him, thus making him well worth a significant outlay for Gerrard’s side.