Kamberi returns to Rangers in time for Europe
Rangers have extended Florian Kamberi’s loan from Hibs so he can feature against Bayer Leverkusen in their Europa League return tie in August.
Brought to Ibrox in the January window, the Swiss-born striker impressed during the second half of the season.
Contracted to Hibs until June, 2021, he appeared to burn his bridges back to Easter Road through his outspoken comments at the start of his loan.
His apparent pitch for a permanent move incensed the Edinburgh club’s fans, with manager Jack Ross admitting it would make it difficult for him to return.
A quick cut-price move at the end of the season looked on the cards, but coronavirus changed everything.
So instead of heading out to the Continent for a deal of around £100,000, Kamberi had to return to Hibs to thrash out his future. Rangers contacted their Premiership counterparts with a request of a loan extension, which suited all parties.
It allows the striker to train with the Govan club, gives Steven Gerrard another striking option and helps reduce Hibs wage bill.
The Easter Road club are poised to introduce a raft of cost-cuts after owner Ron Gordon described the current level of expenditure as “unsustainable.”
They have ended the contracts of coaches Grant Murray, Lee Makel and Colin Nish, and began a 30-day consultation process with players and staff regarding wage cuts.
The club’s academy is also expected to be mothballed.
Rangers trail Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 from the first leg at Ibrox in March.
Former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher could be a transfer target for Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen following the shock news that he’ll be released by Sheffield Wednesday.
The 33-year-old is the club’s top scorer – and their only player to come close to double figures – with 13 goals from 27 Championship appearances for the midtable stragglers.
Fletcher began his career with Hibs (winning the League Cup in 2007) before moving on to Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland and Marseille. He joined Wednesday in 2016 and was leading goalscorer last season too.
He’s scored 10 goals in 33 appearances for Scotland but hasn’t made himself available for his country since playing in the 3-2 win over Israel at Hampden in November, 2018.
The target-man’s experience and aerial ability means he won’t be short of offers but Wednesday manager Garry Monk is determined to freshen up his ageing side. “Younger, dynamic, hungrier players with determination, that’s the profile we’re looking for, and if we can start that process at least then surely that’s a positive,” he said.