Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande is reportedly facing an immediate sale after his disastrous performance and late red card against Braga in the recent UEFA Europa League tie, a match that ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. The Ivory Coast international, who arrived with high expectations, had a night to forget. Although he was not the only player underperforming, his overall contribution was judged to be poor, compounded by a late dismissal for a second bookable offence in stoppage time, which ended any faint hope Rangers had of finding a winner against the ten-man Portuguese side.
New Rangers head coach Danny Rohl was forced to address the performance in his post-match comments. While he avoided singling out Diomande, the German manager made it clear that a higher standard is non-negotiable, particularly in crucial European fixtures. “We need players who are 100% committed and disciplined for the full 90 minutes and beyond,” Rohl stated. “We cannot afford lapses in concentration, especially in midfield, and we absolutely cannot finish a game with a deficit in personnel when we should be pushing for the win.” Rohl is known for his demanding and high-intensity style, and sources close to Ibrox suggest that Diomande’s display, coupled with the disciplinary issue, has sealed his fate. The club had reportedly been in negotiations with Turkish clubs over the summer for the midfielder, and it appears the door is now open for a quick departure in the upcoming transfer window.
The feeling among the Rangers hierarchy is that Diomande has not consistently delivered on his initial promise, and the Braga match was the final straw. Selling the player would allow Rohl to free up funds and space in the squad for a midfielder who better fits his tactical vision and possesses the required consistency and European experience. While a sale so soon after an expensive acquisition is a tough financial pill to swallow, the club is prioritising on-field performance and discipline under the new management. The coming transfer window looks set to be highly active as Rohl stamps his authority on the squad.