Rangers Eye Club Brugge’s Hugo Siquet Amid Squad Restructuring
Rangers have set their sights on Club Brugge right-back Hugo Siquet as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the summer transfer window. According to a report from FootMercato (as cited by The Daily Record), the team is closely monitoring Siquet after a rough start to the season under manager Derek McInnes. They are also keeping an eye on Aston Villa’s Kosta Nedeljković but view Siquet as a prime target.
The 24-year-old Belgium international made his mark at Standard Liège, breaking into the first team in 2020. He transferred to SC Freiburg for around €4.5 million but faced challenges securing playing time in the Bundesliga, leading to a loan move back to Belgium with Cercle Brugge in January 2023.
Siquet thrived during his loan stint, impressing with regular appearances until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, when Club Brugge acquired him from Freiburg for approximately €3 million. Last season, he made 42 appearances, showcasing skills that have certainly caught the eye of the Glasgow club.
Why His Arrival Would Boost Rangers
Rangers have recently delved into the Belgian Pro League, signing left-back Tuur Rommens from Westerlo in January. Rommens has been a standout performer amid ongoing team struggles. Siquet, known for his high-energy pressing, accurate crossing, and attacking threat, could significantly enhance Rangers’ right flank.
Despite securing nine newcomers in their squad overhaul, Rangers’ lineup remains unsettled. After a disappointing start that included a draw against Dundee United, the team faced consecutive defeats to Jagiellonia Białystok and Hibernian. The injury to Ben Godfrey is a considerable setback, placing additional pressure on new signing Olwethu Makhanya as he acclimates to the Scottish game’s demands.
While Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie may serve as right-back options, McInnes could opt to use Sterling in a central role, capitalizing on his adaptability. McCrorie’s versatility is notable, but concerns about his technical composure raise questions about his suitability as a direct replacement for James Tavernier.
Siquet shares traits with Tavernier, celebrated for his dynamic overlapping runs and contributions to the attack. Although his offensive focus could create defensive gaps, Rangers could benefit from the creativity he would bring, potentially reigniting excitement at Ibrox.
If a recent report from FootMercato (as cited by The Daily Record) is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping close tabs on Hugo Siquet ahead of a potential summer swoop. They are also monitoring the Aston Villa outcast Kosta Nedeljković, but have now identified the high-flying Club Brugge right-back after a dreadful start to their season under Derek McInnes.
The 24-year-old Belgium international progressed through the esteemed ranks of Standard Liège before breaking into their first-team squad in 2020. Soon, he was roped in by SC Freiburg, who splashed a fee in the region of €4.5m to secure his services. However, the fullback struggled for gametime in the Bundesliga, and eventually returned to his homeland when Cercle Brugge loaned him in January 2023.
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Siquet flourished with regular football until the end of the 2023-24 campaign, when Club Brugge, the Green and Black’s fierce rivals, snapped him up from Freiburg for around €3m. He made 42 appearances last season across competitions, and his flair and finesse for Blue-Black must have drawn the attention of the Glasgow giants.
Why His Arrival Would Boost Rangers
Rangers have lately explored the Belgian Pro League, with left-back Tuur Rommens the latest recruit following his January move from Westerlo. He has been a shining light amid their ongoing conundrum, and Siquet, known for his high-energy pressing, pinpoint crossing, precise long balls, technical delivery and threat from set-pieces, could bring a similar influence from the other flank.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – MAY 04: Hugo Siquet #41 of Club Brugge KV lines up to take a shot at goal in the first half of the Croky Cup Final between Club Brugge KV and RSC Anderlecht at King Baudouin Stadium on May 04, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
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Despite tying down nine new names as part of the rebuild, the squad looks incomplete and unbalanced across the pitch. After a draw against Dundee United in the opening gameweek, the Light Blues have suffered back-to-back defeats against Jagiellonia Białystok and Hibernian. Ben Godfrey’s injury is a massive setback, as the new signing Olwethu Makhanya needs time to attune to the physicality and aggression of the Scottish game.
Rangers have Dujon Sterling and Ross McCrorie among right-back options, but the gaffer might deploy Sterling as a centre-half, utilising his flexibility across the backline. McCrorie, too, is capable of playing in multiple positions, but his lack of technical composure and discipline does not make him the like-for-like successor to James Tavernier.
Siquet’s traits are similar to those of their former skipper, who was hailed for his relentless overlapping runs and attacking contributions. But he might leave space behind at times due to his heavy focus on supporting the attack. Nevertheless, the Gers are crying out for creativity up top, and the Belgian’s arrival could bring the excitement back at Ibrox.
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