Djeidi Gassama’s turbulent time at Rangers has raised eyebrows, and now his agent appears to be working overtime to drum up interest from European heavyweights.
Despite only netting 9 goals and assists in 35 appearances, the former Sheffield Wednesday winger has become a focal point of January 2026 transfer speculation. With links to Villarreal and Club Brugge surfacing, fans are left wondering: Is this a genuine escape route or simply a smokescreen from his representation?
A Tactical Mismatch: The Danny Rohl Factor
The primary hurdle for Djeidi Gassama at Ibrox has been the tactical shift under manager Danny Rohl. Rohl’s 2026 system does not prioritise traditional, touchline-hugging wingers. This has relegated Gassama to a bit-part role, where his “pace-first” style often clashes with the manager’s structured, utility-based approach.
Analysts have noted that Gassama, much like Rabbi Matondo, often prioritises individual speed over collective strategy. This perceived selfishness on the ball has led to a performance gap that is difficult to ignore in high-stakes matches.
Villarreal and Club Brugge: Fact or Agent Fiction?
Reports from sources like Rudi Galetti and TeamTalk have linked Gassama to La Liga’s Villarreal and Belgium’s Club Brugge. However, the Ibrox faithful are advised to approach these claims with a healthy dose of scepticism.
“The idea that Champions League-level clubs are chasing a player with 9 goal contributions in 35 games seems implausible,” says a leading recruitment analyst. “It smells like an agent trying to inflate a player’s market value ahead of a necessary January exit.”
While agents frequently leverage the names of big clubs to create urgency, the lack of concrete “boots-on-the-ground” reporting from Spain or Belgium suggests this may be a strategic manoeuvre to find Gassama a fresh start elsewhere.
The “Matondo Effect” and Public Perception
Public perception of Gassama has soured since his move from Sheffield Wednesday. While he arrived with a “flair” reputation, his inconsistency has led to him being under the magnifying glass. To remain relevant at Rangers—or to earn a move to a top-tier European league—Gassama must prove he can provide more than just raw speed. His decision-making in the final third remains his greatest weakness.
January 2026: Stay or Go?
As the transfer window progresses, Rangers management must decide if Gassama is a “sell-high” asset or a project worth keeping. If a club like Villarreal is truly willing to gamble on his potential, Rangers may find it prudent to recoup their investment and reinvest in a player who better fits Danny Rohl’s 2026 vision.
FAQ: Djeidi Gassama Transfer Rumours
Which clubs are interested in Djeidi Gassama? Recent reports have linked the Rangers winger with Villarreal (Spain) and Club Brugge (Belgium), though these rumours are currently unverified.
How many goals has Gassama scored for Rangers? In the current 2025/26 campaign, Gassama has recorded a combined 9 goals and assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Why is Djeidi Gassama not playing for Rangers? Manager Danny Rohl’s current tactical setup does not utilise traditional wingers, leading to limited minutes for Gassama and players with similar profiles.
Co-Founder of Fitba Focus and MMA UK. A lifelong Rangers fan and former player, he combines over a decade of sports media experience with a deep-seated passion for the Scottish game. From the Ibrox stands to the lower-league terraces, Frankie is dedicated to providing honest, fan-led analysis of the full Scottish pyramid.
