Rangers were unfortunately rejected by Xavi Simons back in the summer, as PSV Eindhoven eventually won the race for his signature.
It was AS in Spain who revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst wanted to bring the Dutch sensation to Ibrox, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
That decision was already justified, as Simons has been among the best players in Europe so far this season, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 21 appearances.
Now, the 19-year-old’s decision has been justified even further.
Xavi Simons Rangers snub has worked out for him
Well, the teenager has now been drafted into the Netherlands World Cup squad by Louis van Gaal, despite never receiving a senior cap for the Oranje.
It is a special moment for Simons, who may not have been afforded this opportunity had he joined Rangers, in all honesty.
The Bears have struggled tremendously this season, recording the worst ever Champions League campaign in Group A with six defeats in six games and 22 goals conceded.
Rangers also sit seven points behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, with pressure growing on Van Bronckhorst.
Ibrox is far from a settled, productive environment right now, and it surely wouldn’t have been beneficial for a young player such as Simons, who is still developing.
In contrast, PSV Eindhoven sit top of the Eredivisie, and Ruud van Nistelrooy has created a great environment for young talent such as Simons and Cody Gakpo to express themselves.
Rangers must keep targeting gems like Xavi Simons
Hopefully, Rangers haven’t been put off after missing out on Simons, as they clearly identified a fine player.
The upside of signing gems like the £4,400-a-week man is huge, as they can be secured for minimal fees, and also see their value soar if they perform well.
If Van Bronckhorst – or someone else – can turn things around at Rangers and make them as attractive as they were after the Europa League final, then they will hopefully win the race to sign their next target.
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