Roma striker Umar Sadiq would give Gerrard’s Rangers something completely different

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Scottish Premiership giants Rangers are reportedly closing in on the signing of Umar Sadiq from Serie A outfit Roma.

Rangers are closing in on their eighth summer signing already and we’re not even at the end of June.

After weeks of speculation, links with Roma striker Umar Sadiq had grown cold after the 21-year-old appeared to confirm that he would be staying with the Serie A giants.

But, out of nowhere, the Daily Record is reporting that Rangers are now closing in on signing the Nigerian on a season-long loan with the deal potentially due to be completed before the club return from their training camp in Spain.

Sadiq is far from a household name, however, so what can supporters expect from a striker who scored five times in 12 games on loan at NAC Breda from January until May? Well, Sadiq would give Rangers a different option. A Plan B if you will.

Speaking to the BBC in May, new Rangers boss Steven Gerrard hinted that he was keen to replicate the fast-paced, possession-style football embodied by his mentor Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. But signing Sadiq would allow Gerrard to adopt a more direct, ‘long-ball’ approach if required.

At 6ft 4, Sadiq is not a typical, ‘whip-it-into-the-big-man’ style targetman but he will chase down long balls and has the pace, energy and sheer brute strength to make even the most aimless of punts into a decent forward pass.

At Breda, Sadiq used his natural physical attributes to hassle and harry defenders and give his side and out ball when they were under pressure. And, in a straight foot race, don’t expect many to be able to handle this powerhouse frontman.

Compared to Alfredo Morelos, Jason Cummings or Kenny Miller, more diminutive, technical strikers, Sadiq is something else entirely and would give opposition backlines something new to think about.