Nils Koppen is still keeping a close eye on events at Rangers, despite his departure from the club last summer.
The Belgian stepped down from his role as Rangers’ technical director in June after 18 months at Ibrox, following the internal reshuffle under 49ers Enterprises and Andrew Cavenagh.
During his time in Govan, Koppen played a major role in recruitment, helping to identify several standout signings including Nicolas Raskin, Hamza Igamane and Vaclav Cerny.
Rangers confirmed the signing of Tuur Rommens on Wednesday, and Koppen was quick to acknowledge the move.
Although he is no longer employed by the club, an X account bearing his name — and followed by respected journalists Chris Jack and Ben Jacobs — sent a message congratulating the new arrival. Writing on 14 January, Koppen said: “Congrats! Great move and looking forward seeing you going down that left wing.”
Koppen’s spell at Rangers may ultimately prove to have been underappreciated.
Several of his transfer deals delivered significant value, with Raskin and Igamane signed for just £1.5 million and £1.7 million respectively from Standard Liège and FAR Rabat. Both moves have since been vindicated.
Raskin continues to attract strong interest and could command a sizeable fee in the near future, while Igamane was sold to Lille for £10.4 million, generating a major profit. Jefte was another success story, arriving for around £680,000 before being sold to Palmeiras for £6 million — further boosting Rangers’ finances.
Not every signing paid off, with the likes of Nedim Bajrami and Oscar Cortes failing to make the desired impact, but the majority of Koppen’s overseas recruitment proved successful.
Some of those players could yet play a key role in Danny Rohl’s title push this season, which would only enhance Koppen’s legacy.
His continued interest in Rangers, and his public message to Rommens, was a classy gesture — and one that highlights how his contribution at Ibrox may be remembered even more fondly in time.
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