So that’s Juventus, Inter Milan, Napoli and Atalanta. If Rangers were hoping for a clear run at this soon-to-be free-agent, well, no such luck.
As Barry Ferguson outwitted Jose Mourinho in the first leg of Rangers’ Europa League last-16 tie with Fenerbahce, it is no coincidence that the club’s best defensive performance in weeks came with John Souttar and Leon Balogun back in the team.
Ferguson was confident Souttar would make a big ‘difference’ upon his return from injury.
And didn’t he just. The powerhouse centre-back was much missed as Rangers found themselves 2-0 down for a third successive match against Motherwell last weekend. Between Souttar and Leon Balogun – also back from injury and replacing a concussed Robin Propper half-an-hour in – the Rangers duo completed a staggering 26 clearances at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.
Yet, with Balogun’s contract running out and Souttar’s injury issues well documented, their stand-out performances served only to remind Rangers just how reliant they are upon a 36-year-old and a man who has spent more time on the treatment table than most.
Propper has struggled badly in Scotland. The jury is out on Clinton Nsiala. And, as for Rafael Fernandes, a permanent deal already feels highly unlikely for the seldom-seen LOSC Lille loanee.
This should go a long way to explaining, then, why Rangers are interested in Spezia’s Italy Under-21 colossus Nicola Bertolo.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Rangers target Nicolo Bertola will leave Spezia on a free transfer
Technical director Nils Koppen reportedly has his sights set on another bargain deal for another rising talent. But while Rangers successfully fought off competition from clubs in Qatar for Hamza Igamane, while they beat teams in Germany, France and Spain for Fernandes, luring Bertolo to Ibrox is already shaping up to be a far more difficult challenge.
MORE RANGERS STORIES
On the upside, Tuttosport claim that Bertolo has decided not to extend his contract with Serie B outfit Spezia. His current deal expires in July. As such, Bertolo will be available for free come the summer.
On the downside, the report adds that Juventus are weighing up a move of their own. The Bianconeri have already enjoyed considerable success signing bargain centre-backs from the second-tier, Federico Gatti a revelation following his 2022 arrival from Frosininone.
Tuttosport claim that Atalanta have developed a ‘strong interest’ in Bertolo over recent weeks.
Scudetto holders Inter Milan and league leaders Napoli are in the mix for Bertolo too, with the 6ft 4ins sky-scraper of a centre-back expected to become one of the most coveted young free-agents on the market.
Bertolo can be ideal protegee for John Souttar at Rangers
Now, with their takeover reportedly advancing to the final stages, the San Francisco 49ers will bring plenty of money and ambition to Ibrox. Whether this is enough to give Rangers a real shot at a defender in the crosshairs of four bonafide Italian powerhouses, only time will tell.
Considering his sheer size and his natural right-footedness, Bertolo could be a pretty ideal protege for Souttar. Having started out as a deep-lying playmaker, Bertolo possesses impressive reading of the game and a good passing range.
Furthermore, with three goals and two assists this season, he is also a considerable threat in the opposition penalty area.
“On a personal level, I’m very happy with how the season is going,” Bertola said after establishing himself in Italy’s Under-21 set-up. “In the national team, I hope to remain part of this group. [I am] working every day to try to improve.
“I feel like I’ve grown in awareness, thanks to the fact that I’ve started playing a lot.”