Clinton Nsiala may soon find himself playing in the Scottish Championship after Rangers hired Russell Martin.
The 21-year-old signed for the Gers last summer after leaving AC Milan and started to play regularly under Philippe Clement before his sacking.
Barry Ferguson didn’t trust Nsiala during his time as interim manager, and the young centre-back subsequently appeared to lose his confidence.
With Conor Coady being linked with a move to Ibrox, it feels like the French defender may have to bide his time under Martin as well, and a temporary move away feels like the right option.
Rangers to sanction Nsiala loan transfer to Raith Rovers
Nsiala could benefit from joining Raith Rovers on a short-term loan deal in the ongoing transfer window, Four Lads says.
The Scottish Championship outfit have been claimed to be linked with the 21-year-old this summer, and a six-month move away from Ibrox could potentially do him well.
Four Lads expects Martin to examine the French youngster, and then the ex-Southampton boss may sanction his temporary move.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| 13 | 1 | 1 | 971 |
Speaking on The Rangers Review, Stevie Clifford said: “Martin needs to have a look at [Nsiala]. He might be part of the squad. Martin might decide that a loan move might be better for him. That link-up with Raith Rovers is pretty far down the line, so we need to wait and see where that turns up.
“I wouldn’t be adverse to sending Nsiala there for six months just to learn a little bit of the Championship. Very rough and competitive. I would be quite happy to see him down there to learn his trade. People might say that’s a step below, and it might be, but it’s all about getting first-team football.”
Nsiala should be part of Martin’s plans at Ibrox
Leon Balogun has left Ibrox after a two-year spell, and the Nigeria international was arguably the Gers’ best centre-back this season.
Martin could also be without Robin Propper before the start of next season, as a return to FC Twente looks to be on the cards.
John Souttar’s current contract will soon enter its final year, leaving the Light Blues with a significant decision to make this summer if the Scottish defender doesn’t agree to a new deal.
Rangers have Dujon Sterling as one of their other options to play in central defence, but the Englishman’s consistent fitness issues make him unreliable.
Nsiala took his opportunities well during an injury crisis in the Gers’ backline, but a few bad displays led to him being benched again.
The 21-year-old is still young and has shown potential to be a top centre-back, giving the Light Blues an incentive to develop him properly.
Martin feels like the right manager for the Frenchman due to the progressive brand of football he played at Southampton, which required defenders to be good on the ball.
The ex-Milan youngster might have struggled with the physicality in Scottish football in his debut season, but the centre-back will arguably learn more under the 39-year-old head coach next season than at Raith Rovers.
