Who is Rangers target Lassana Coulibaly? All you need to know
According to reports, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is keen on signing Lassana Coulibaly. The Mali international would be the eighth player to join the Gers this summer. Although Gerrard has avoided talking about him, reports claim that Rangers are interested in a season-long loan deal for the youngster, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Angers.
Coulibaly can play as a central midfielder or even as a defensive midfielder. Having come through the ranks in Bastia’s academy, Coulibaly broke into the first-team set up in the summer of 2015. He made 49 appearances for Bastia, scoring once and assisting twice over two seasons.
After Bastia were relegated at the end of the 2016/17 season, Coulibaly chose to move on. He was on PSG’s radar as the Parisian giants were in the market for a Blaise Matuidi-replacement but he joined Angers instead. Last season, Coulibaly featured 19 times as the club finished 14th.
Angers have signed Vincent Pajot from St. Etienne on a three-year deal. The Frenchman would be a direct replacement for Lassana Coulibaly, meaning the lanky Mali international could be available for a loan deal.
Coulibaly struggled for game time last season and he started only 11 games. A move to the less-demanding Scottish Premier League would provide Coulibaly with the perfect stage to further develop as a player.
Born and raised in Mali, Africa, Coulibaly was won 10 caps for The Eagles. The 22-year-old is a talented player with a lot of potential. He would be a good signing for a Rangers side that must challenge their Old Firm rivals Celtic for the title once the season gets underway.
Furthermore, Coulibaly’s defensive contribution would be vital as the Gers challenge on all fronts. Rangers’ season starts in two weeks’ time when they play Shkupi at Ibrox for the first-leg of the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds. Before that, Gerrard must snap up a deal for Coulibaly.
Coulibaly’s profile at a glance
Name: Lassana Coulibaly
Current Team: Angers SC
Shirt Number: 12
Positions: Midfielder (Centre & Defensive)
Foot: Right
Age: 22 years old (10-04-1996)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 75kg
Nationality: Mali (Bamako)
Read More: Why Rangers must do everything to beat Celtic to win the Scottish Premiership this season
