Michael Beale was entrusted with the Rangers’ checkbook last summer during a necessary full rebuild from goalkeeper to striker. The squad witnessed the departure of five key players, including the entire forward line and the £4m sale of Fashion Sakala.
The transfer window concluded with uncertainties surrounding several signings, but it turned out well for a former Rangers regular who had no desire to depart initially.
It was a bittersweet season for Antonio Colak after his reluctant exit from Rangers. Acquired for £2.5m and sold for a similar amount, Colak arrived, scored goals, and departed.
While there were doubts about the overall quality of his game, his 21 goal contributions in 39 appearances were a commendable return for a team struggling to create chances – averaging one goal every 105 minutes in the league.
Although he may not have been adept at creating opportunities on his own, Colak demonstrated an ability to find the net if provided with accurate crosses or passes.
Colak brought a different dimension compared to players like Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.
It was frustrating to witness Beale’s continued trust in Morelos despite his lack of interest. Despite limited starts in the latter part of the season, Colak finished as the joint top goal scorer alongside James Tavernier.
The 30-year-old was never a favorite at Ibrox under the former manager and was eventually sold to Parma, a move that Colak was hesitant to make.
Reflecting on his time at Rangers, Colak expressed mixed emotions: “When I left Rangers and watched the highlight reel of my goals the club made, I was really emotional watching it with my wife. When I arrived in Glasgow, I thought it could be the place I stayed for the rest of my career. But in football, things can be unpredictable. There was a moment where I was disappointed and said ‘I don’t want to leave,’ but now I’m here in Parma, embracing a new opportunity, and life couldn’t be better for me personally. My time at Rangers, however, remains truly special.”
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