NafisaRangers Eye Dream Duo: Luuk De Jong Could Unlock Gassama’s Full Potential in Champions League Charge
Glasgow Rangers are gearing up for their first competitive clash of the 2025/26 season, with a pivotal Champions League qualifier set to take place at Ibrox on Tuesday night. The Light Blues will host the opening leg before heading to Greece for the return fixture, hoping to secure progression in their quest to reach the lucrative league phase of the competition.
However, Russell Martin may face a selection dilemma. New attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard is a doubt due to injury, and French winger Djeidi Gassama, though in the squad, is not fit to start. The ex-Sheffield Wednesday starlet has had a disrupted pre-season and will likely make his debut from the bench.
This will be a disappointment for fans eager to see the 21-year-old in action. Gassama’s form in the Championship last season hinted at a player ready to shine on a bigger stage. While he managed seven goals and just one assist in 43 appearances, deeper stats paint a more creative picture. He generated 38 chances but was let down by poor finishing from teammates, underperforming his expected assists (xA) by nearly two.
Despite the modest assist tally, Gassama’s flair down the left wing and ability to both score and create make him a significant attacking threat. But for him to truly thrive at Rangers, the club needs a forward capable of finishing the chances he provides.
Enter Luuk De Jong.
According to Football Insider, Rangers are ready to ramp up efforts to sign experienced free agent De Jong and veteran centre-back Conor Coady as part of a drive to inject leadership and quality into the squad. De Jong, recently released by PSV Eindhoven, is being targeted as a key figure to lead the line at Ibrox.
At 34, the Dutch striker has lost none of his sharpness. He netted 38 goals in the 2023/24 campaign alone and has scored at least 18 in each of the past three seasons. His consistent finishing would be a massive upgrade for Rangers and a dream fit for Gassama’s style of play.
But De Jong isn’t just a poacher. With 23 assists in his last two Eredivisie campaigns, he also brings significant playmaking ability. That combination makes him the perfect foil for Gassama, who could thrive with a striker who both finishes and creates.
By contrast, current Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers has provided just six assists across 70 Premiership appearances since arriving in 2023 highlighting the gulf in end product.
Described as “exemplary” by Barcelona boss Xavi during his stint in La Liga, De Jong’s leadership, technical quality, and dual-threat nature make him an ideal signing for both Rangers’ ambitions in Europe and Gassama’s development.
Pairing Gassama’s dynamism with De Jong’s experience could transform Rangers’ attack and just in time for their Champions League push.
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