Despite winning the Old Firm this weekend, it wasn’t all good news for Rangers fans this week. The club announced that Serge Atakayi would be leaving for SJK Seinajoki for an undisclosed fee (Rangers). He was brought to Rangers in 2016 after progressing through the ranks at FF Jaro but has been moved on after failing to break into the Gers first-team (transfermarkt.co.uk).
But this news saddens Rangers fans. With the winger only being 20 years of age, there was still plenty of potential for him to become a first-team regular with the Gers. When the club announced the confirmation of the player’s exit on Twitter, fans wished him all the best.
Go again wee man, work hard, the potential is there.
— Gavin Kelly (@gmkelly1979) December 30, 2019
Sad news used to play with him before his time in jaro and he was amazing then an hoped for a him to go to a big club when i heard he had trials at leicester and other clubs… hope he gets a new chanse at top level
— Mr Joguvaga (@MrJoGuVaGa) December 30, 2019
The younger group including Mcpake, Mebude and Kennedy seem to have climbed the pecking order.
Atakayi got injured just when he got a break into the first team squad if I recall.
All the best to the young man.— Graeme (@GingerGenius10) December 30, 2019
All the best wee man. Bit gutted your away but hope you go on to big things. Always welcome home
— BuffaloBear (@McRobo1690) December 31, 2019
Very surprised and bit disappointed weve let him go as a cracking player but good luck Serge @atakayi, hope your career flourishes. Welcome back at Ibrox anytime.
— Scott (ScotiaRLA) – Rangers Lotto Agent (@ScottR25017935) December 30, 2019
Are you disappointed to see Serge Atakayi leave?
Yes
No
Some fans questioned why the club would bring a youngster like Atakayi to the club and let him leave without giving him a chance.
Don’t mind our young talent going out on loan. Disappointed to see this lad leave before making the first team. We need to give youth a chance at Rangers.
— Tom (@tomtom1872) December 30, 2019
Why have a youth development system If we just get rid of them all the time
— Jordi (@TMB_Jordi) December 30, 2019
What do we think?
Rangers fans clearly wish Atakayi the best of luck in his future endeavours. Should he go on to become a regular starter in one of Europe’s top leagues, however, there may be some regret. These are just some of the chances you have to take when running a football club.