- Nasser Djiga’s Rangers form has taken a major upturn since his return to the starting XI.
- The defender looks set to reclaim a prominent role with his national side Burkina Faso.
- Rangers could look to sign the defender permanently from Wolves – but price remains a stumbling block.
Nasser Djiga has been the catalyst for the improvement in Rangers defensive solidity in recent weeks following the second half collapse in the SPFL Premiership draw with Celtic.
The reintroduction of Djiga to the starting lineup by Danny Rohl has undoubtedly been a key factor in the upturn.
John Souttar has looked nervy and unconvincing, requiring a spell out of the team.
This has lead to the Burkina Faso defender stepping up.
Post AFCON resurgence for Nasser Djiga
It marks a remarkable turn to form post–African Cup of Nations for the Wolves-loanee who was previously seen as a bomb scare by sections of the support.
Despite not featuring for his nation at AFCON his stability at the back has been a noticeable improvement since his return.
Djiga stock back home
This has led to him being tipped for a starting role in their upcoming double-header with Guinea-Bissau.
Burkino-Faso based journalist Moussa Ramde said: “With the retirement of Issoufou Dayo and Steve Yago, Nasser Djiga is now seen as a potential starter for the national team.
“His consistent progress and increasingly solid performances have placed him among the most promising defenders.
“His lack of minutes at AFCON sparked controversy but he is now viewed as a key player.
“One ready to take the place of the retired regulars.”
He also believes his Rangers resurgence has played a huge part in this.
“His current form with Rangers strengthens his position,” Ramde explained.
“The Scottish league, where he plays, is widely followed by supporters from Burkina Faso.
“Especially because of the presence of a Burkinabé player in the league.
“His development and performances have generated significant demand for his inclusion in the national team.
“His loan to Rangers has provided him with crucial playing time, allowing him to further develop.”
Moving north
This upturn has sparked conversation amongst the Ibrox support over whether Rangers should look to make the move permanent in the summer.
The English club reportedly paid around £10 million for him last January.
Despite this outlay he has taken to the field only six times for the Molineux club.
Wolves supporter and founder of the Talking Wolves podcast Dave Azzopardi has warned that he would expect Rangers to need to wait if they want to sign Djiga.
He believes it is “hard to say currently” whether they would be open to a sale as Wolves “haven’t really seen much of him” since his arrival last January.
“I’d say Rob Edwards would want to see him during the summer before making a decision,” he explained.
“Fee wise it’s hard to say but Wolves would want at least his fee back I would say.
“But I would never rule out a permanent sale though.”
Read Rangers analysis
Rangers boss Rohl has revealed that the club “started to prepare for the summer this week.”
Therefore, talks may already be underway to keep the towering defender North of the border.
James Tavernier is out of contract this summer.
Fellow defenders Derek Cornelius, Max Aarons and Jayden Meghoma are also set to return to their parent clubs.
These departures added to interest in Emmanuel Fernandez may see a return for Djiga essential ahead of a defensive rebuild.
