Rangers have confirmed the loan signing of Brighton and Hove Albion forward Abdallah Sima until the end of the 2023/24, a statement on their official club website reads.
On his move to the Light Blues, Sima said: “Rangers is a big club with a big history. I played here for Slavia Prague two or three years ago and when I came here I liked it so for me it is very exciting to join Rangers.
“I spoke with Michael Beale and it was a very natural conversation, he told me about Rangers and about how we will be playing. I already knew a bit about how Rangers play so when they called me I was very honoured.”
Rangers boss Michael Beale added: “We are delighted to have Abdallah join us for the forthcoming season. He is a player I’m excited to work with, he has excellent variety in his game and can fulfil a number of attacking positions in our team.”
A fast, powerful player who can play both as a striker and on the wings, Sima will bring explosivity and aggression to Rangers’ attacking ranks.
With the departure of Alfredo Morelos in the summer, the Gers were in need of a hard-working, strong forward player. Though he is on the young side, Sima should be able to fill the Columbian’s shoes.
Sima spent time in various youth academies as a youngster, before moving to Slavia Prague in 2020. During his time in the Czech Republic, Sima attracted attention from well-known clubs from across Europe. In total, he scored 11 goals in 24 games for Červenobílí.
In 2021, his impressive performances for Slavia Prague earned him a move to the Premier League with Brighton – all in all, the Seagulls shelled out a reported £7 million to secure his services.
In the same season, he was sent out on loan to Stoke City, with little success – he made just two Championship appearances for the Potters, scoring no goals.
The following campaign, he went out on loan to Angers, where he enjoyed a more successful stint, scoring four goals in 30 Ligue 1 games. Can he realise his full potential at the Ibrox Stadium?