Player profile: Who is Rangers’ new signing Fabio Silva?

By Alexander Cruickshanks

Rangers’ new signing Fabio Silva during a Wolves training session (Image: Getty Images)

One area of the pitch that has been severely lacking for Rangers this season has been the central striker. With Kemar Roofe being a constant on the treatment table, Cyriel Dessers not being up to standard and Danilo looking like he could be out injured for the rest of the season, Rangers desperately need more firepower. And with the January transfer window officially opening on Monday, Rangers have already begun their business by announcing the loan signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal striker Fabio Silva. Let’s take an in-depth look at the player and what he can bring to this Rangers side.

On December 28, Rangers announced the signing of Silva on a six-month loan deal. The Portuguese marksman comes with a lot of expectation as he has been on the European radar since he was just 18 years old. His start in top European competition came with Porto making 20 appearances in the 2019/20 season including three appearances in the UEFA Europa League. He scored just two goals that season but that was enough to catch the attention of English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers, He signed for them in 2020 with a staggering price tag of £35m attached. A lot of pressure for such a young player as he became Wolves' record transfer.

Silva in action for Wolves (Image: Getty Images)

The big-money move hasn’t gone to plan for Silva. Over the next two years, he made 62 appearances for Wolves only netting four times and assisting six goals. It was the 2022/23 season where he began to find his feet. For the first half of the season, he was loaned to Anderlecht in the Belgian Pro League where he had a successful spell. Silva made 32 appearances for the Belgian side, bagging 11 goals, and getting two assists. He was recalled in January and loaned out to PSV Eindhoven where he enjoyed a good second half of the season. He made 19 appearances, scoring five and assisting two. He returned to Wolves at the end of the season with the promise of a chance to prove himself under Julen Lopetegui.

Silva scored the winning penalty for PSV in the Dutch Cup final (Image: Getty Images)

However, that was short-lived as in August, Lopetegui was replaced as manager by former Bournemouth gaffer Gary O’Neil. Silva has had a rough first half of the season only making 10 appearances. He will be hoping a successful spell at Rangers will reignite his Wolves career.

In terms of where Silva fits at Ibrox, he comes at a time when the club is in great need of attacking reinforcements. With the aforementioned injury crisis and Cyriel Dessers not setting the world alight, it’s safe to say Silva will be a welcome addition by the Rangers fans. The manner of this signing seems to be a stopgap, a temporary fix to a long-term problem. Although there has been no indication from Rangers, fans and media seem to believe a permanent striker signing could be on the cards.

Can Silva live up to his potential and be a success at Ibrox (Image: Getty Images)

However, Clement has got his man for the time being and thinks he can be a valuable member of the squad.

Clement said: “I am delighted we have been able to secure the signing of Fabio, he is a highly-rated striker and it is fantastic to have him joining our squad for the remainder of the season.”

In terms of what Silva can bring on the pitch, Clement said: “He is a young player who already has some great experience in his career in both England and Europe, and I am looking forward to working with him moving forward.”

With the remainder of the season to come, Silva will be hoping he can help Rangers in their quest for more silverware. That’s everything you need to know about Rangers’ new signing Fabio Silva.