Fashion Sakala, a former Rangers attacker, has made quite an impression in Al Fayha, with his post-Scottish Premiership form dubbed ‘excellent’ by the Middle Eastern press.
While the Zambia international’s end-product – or lack thereof – was frequently a source of worry during his time at Rangers, you won’t hear similar concerns directed at him at the King Salman Sport City Stadium.
Fashion Sakala has already scored three goals and set up another for his new Saudi Pro League team in five games. He is only two goals behind Cristiano Ronaldo in the Golden Boot race, has equaled the tally of Roberto Firmino and Karim Benzema, and recently scored a goal three of the modern era’s most feared forwards would be proud to call their own against Al Hilal, dancing through a forest of legs before lashing home from the tightest of angles.
Fashion Sakala was sold by Rangers to Saudi Arabia.
Last season, Al Fayha finished 11th in a 16-team league. But, with Sakala already playing a talismanic role, a top-half finish no longer seems out of reach; Al Fayha’s own’marquee’ acquisition matching the impression produced by Saudi Arabia’s more high-profile recruits.
Arab News, a Middle Eastern tabloid, even goes so far as to call Sakala a ‘great’ addition to the league. According to Rangers Review, that’s not bad for a £3 million purchase.
Former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson, meanwhile, is wondering if any of the new forwards Mick Beale brought in during a hectic and expensive summer overhaul can realistically be described as an upgrade on Sakala.
For all his doubters, the former KV Oostende man did hit the 20-mark for goals and assists in 2022/23. A tally which looks a long way beyond Abdallah Sam Lammers, Sima and co at present.
Have the Rangers truly upgraded Fashion Sakala?
“I’m looking at guys like Danilo, Sam Lammers, Abdullah Sima, and Cyriel Dessers,” Ferguson says to the Daily Record.(I’m) asking for considerably more than they’ve brought to the table thus far.
“Right now, people are worried that Alfredo Morelos, Antonio Colak, Ryan Kent, and Fashion Sakala’s successors aren’t as good as the individuals they had before.
“They need to start delivering or they will face serious problems.”
