According to Daniel Blake, Rangers are interested in signing the “best defender in the Jamaica Premier League”.
The Jamaica Observer journalist spoke exclusively with Ibrox News after the Daily Record reported that the Light Blues are chasing Cavalier FC centre-back Richard King.
According to reports on January 8, Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen are preparing a bid to sign the 23-year-old Jamaica international in response to Ibrox’s defensive injury issue.
Rangers injury crisis catches Gers’ interest. In Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Dundee on Thursday (10 January), Ridvan Yilmaz was forced to play as a right-back, and Clinton Nsiala made his maiden professional game.
King is well-regarded in Jamaican football and has previously been linked with Aston Villa, Newcastle, and West Ham.
Ibrox News understands he also had a trial with St Johnstone last January, but the Perth club did not offer him a contract.
Jamaican football specialist Blake feels Rangers will be signing an exceptionally adept centre-back in King if they can clinch a deal with Cavalier in the winter transfer window.
Since 2021, Richard King has been rated as the top defender in the Jamaica Premier League. He is also the only defender from the Jamaican league to routinely make the national squad, despite the inclusion of England-born players. It’s also why he’s been connected with Aston Villa, Newcastle, and West Ham over the last year,” Blake told Ibrox News.
“As a central defender, King is a cross between a ‘old school’ and ‘new school’ defender. He’s a fierce tackler who excels in the air, but he’s also speedy, a fantastic ball passer who can advance the ball through tight areas and scores the occasional goal.
“His leadership qualities should also be mentioned because, as captain, he led Cavalier to the league title and the Caribbean Club title, putting them on track to face Lionel Messi in the Concacaf Champions League.” He doesn’t talk constantly like some defenders, but he does speak when necessary and helps organise the team at crucial moments.
“Current national team head coach Steve McClaren, as well as a number of local coaches, notably his club coach Rudolph Speid, have talked highly of him, which speaks volumes about his abilities.
“His stint in Iceland didn’t work as well as it could have due to a number of circumstances but it’s felt that he could do well in a better environment overseas.”
King spent the 2023 season on loan at IBV in Iceland, appearing 17 matches across all competitions.
This season in Jamaica, he has played 20 games and scored one goal.
After performing at Kingston-based Cavalier, he was called up to the Jamaica national team, where he presently has 20 caps.
