Ex-Chelsea defender Alex Kpakpe “could join” Rangers’ academy after being given a trial by the Light Blues, according to The Athletic‘s Jordan Campbell.

The reliable journalist says the 18-year-old has already played a friendly for the Gers and there is a good chance that he will make the switch to the Bears:

18yo Alex Kpakpe left Chelsea last month after a frustrating two years with injury/illness.

He has already played in a bounce game for Rangers and could join as an academy signing.

Can play LWB/LCB/CM and his strength is his power in transition. https://t.co/XUJBm2U8nb

— Jordan Campbell (@JordanC1107) December 13, 2022

As Campbell mentions, Kpakpe is a pretty versatile player, but his fitness problems are a concern. He has only featured in nine matches over the past two and half seasons, and he was let go by Chelsea last month.

The Gers do, though, have a decent track record of recruiting academy graduates from English teams, with Calvin Bassey’s move from Leicester City the most notable example.

Zak Lovelace also arrived from Millwall in the summer, with many tipping the forward for great things after impressing for the B team. With the club having shown they are prepared to give youth a chance, they may be able to attract more youngsters from south of the border.