Star gives Rangers new hope of signing him with reports’simply not true’.
Gijs Smal has confirmed that he will leave FC Twente this summer, but in a boost for Rangers, the left-back says that his rumored transfer to Eredivisie champions Feyenoord is not yet finalised.
FC Twente supporters expressed their displeasure after allegations surfaced on Friday that Gijs Smal had signed a long-term deal with Feyenoord, despite the fact that there are still two months left in the current season.
Smal’s first touch was met with boos during Twente’s 2-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam on Saturday, with home fans clearly unimpressed by reports that one of their star players had agreed to join Feyenoord, who are only six points ahead of them in the table and competing with the left-back’s current club for the runners-up spot.
Smal is open about the idea that this will most likely be his final season at Enschede. Rangers are interested in the 26-year-old striker, who led the Eredivisie’s assist charts last season. However, he has not yet decided on his future destination.
Gijs Smal gives Rangers fresh hope.
“Obviously, my phone exploded. “I put it away after fifteen minutes,” Smal tells ESPN. “I discussed it with the coach and (director) Arnold Bruggink.” You’re aware that such events are possible.
“How are you preparing for that? I got the first pass, and they (the crowd) began whistling. I do comprehend it in some ways.
“I found it amazing that anything like this would come out at all, given that there is nothing yet. Look, I would be lying if I claimed I had never communicated with them (Feyenoord). I’m a free transfer, so I’m gathering my bearings.
“I’ve also been in touch with other clubs. Only now are they claiming I am already a Feyenoord player, which is plain false.”
Feyenoord agreement is not completed yet.
According to Rotterdam-based publication 1908, Smal is still on Rangers’ radar, after Philippe Clement expressed interest in January. Smal, known to the club’s director of football and ex-PSV president Nils Koppen, may be a suitable alternative for Borna Barisic, who is also out of contract.
The Twente ace shares Barisic’s precise delivery from deep in set-piece situations.
“I understand from the perspective of the fans, that they are disappointed that I am leaving on a free transfer,” Smal said. “That is not yet the case, although the chance that I will renew is very small.”
Rangers continue to focus on Jefte Vital. In January, the Gers reached an agreement with Fluminense, but were unable to complete the transfer since the Brazilian was already under contract with loan club APOEL Nicosia.
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