Rangers snapped up teenage winger Serge Atakayi on deadline day.
New Rangers signing Serge Atakayi has been quoted by The Scottish Sun as saying that he has been waiting for his big move for a long time.
Whilst Rangers made a big move on deadline day by signing defender Philippe Senderos on a free transfer to boost their defence, they also swooped to land a talented young attacker as well.
General view during the match
Earlier in the summer, Rangers took Finnish youngster Serge Atakayi on trial with a view to a permanent move, as they looked to rival Leicester City for his signature according to the Daily Mail.
Atakayi was born in Congo but had come up through the ranks with FF Jaro in Finland, emerging as one of the top talents in the country before heading to Glasgow for training with the Gers.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Almost two months passed between the start of his trial and deadline day, and little had been said about his prospects of winning a deal – yet, on the final day of the transfer window, Rangers swooped to land the winger.
Rangers confirmed on their official website that Atakayi has penned a three-year deal with the club, meaning he will have plenty of time to develop under Mark Warburton – and the youngster has been discussing his move away.
As quoted by The Scottish Sun, Atakayi offered his thanks to former club FF Jaro for giving him a chance to play as a youngster, and told the fans that he hopes they return to the top flight of Finnish football following relegation last season.
Atakayi added that he has waited a long time for his big move away from Finland, and is glad to have finally put pen-to-paper on a deal with Warburton’s Gers.
“A big thank you Jaro and I am proud that I got to play in Finland in a team, which gives young people opportunities,” said Atakayi. “In Finland, the teams rarely give young players a responsibility, but Jaro give young people a chance. I am glad I have received a lot of responsibility. Thank you to all the coaches who have coached me.”
“Jaro will always be in my heart. A big thank you also Jaro fans. I believe that we can still go back to the Veikkausliiga. I’ve been waiting for this day a long time and I’m really glad it has now arrived,” he added.
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