Who is Clinton Nsiala? Rangers new transfer recruit spotted by Paolo Maldini with potential for superstardom

Rangers have been quietly planning their summer business for months - and prospect Clinton Nsiala is the latest name to come in the door at Ibrox.

The 20-year-old was able to leave AC Milan for free this summer after running down his contract with the Italian giants - and the Light Blues won the race for the versatile star amid interest from Germany and elsewhere in Serie A. Boss Philippe Clement and director of football recruitment Nils Koppen have already shown they have been scouring the globe to get the best deals following the arrival of Jefte and Oscar Cortes so far this summer - but the arrival of the France youth cap caught some fans by surprise.

Rangers chief Koppen has hailed the arrivals of an "exciting talent" - and the fans will be hoping Nsiala can hit the ground running at Ibrox as they look to mount a Scottish Premiership title tilt this term. There is also the small matter of Champions League football, with early deals key ahead of Rangers' play-off clashes and attempt to reach the group stage.

But who is Nsiala and what can he bring to Ibrox following his arrival? Record Sport takes a look at the new recruit.

Who is Clinton Nsiala?

Nantes snapped up the youngster from CPB Bréquigny to kickstart his rapid rise to the top. The 20-year-old made the move to Milan in 2021 with reports in Italy at the time stating he was spotted by a man whose opinion carries plenty of weight around the San Siro - Paolo Maldini.

Having primarily operated in the midfield, Milan would push him back to the heart of the defence where he would go become a key player in the Primavera 1, Coppa Italia Primavera and UEFA Youth League. He would play a key part in the Rossinieri reaching the final of the Youth League last season - and made his first-team debut last term.

So, where does he play?

Philippe Clement has consistently talked up looking for versatile players than can play in a number of positions - and Nsiala fits the bill. In Nantes, U17 coach Johann Sidaner remembers him as an athletic box-to-box midfielder.

Sidaner said: "In Nantes, he played more in the middle, he was an instinctive player, who turned around to gain meters. He was an adult among children. At 15 and a half years old, he was capable of holding a conversation with adults. He's one of those boys who we're really happy to see succeed."

But coach at Milan Ignazio Abate saw things differently. He talked up his defensive credentials this season. "He has improved physically rather than just technically," he said. "He is not as tall as average central defenders currently but stands out for his strong sense of elevation and his ability to make defensive recoveries. He is improving in terms of anticipation and fundamentals."

How high can he go?

The sky seems to be the limit for the youngster coming in the door at Ibrox. Milan had reportedly placed a three-year-deal on the table that was turned down.

French youth boss Lionel Rouxel talked up the rising star - but admitted there was room for improvement from the youngster. He said: "He is a player with potential. I detected it and integrated it into the youth set-up. Some didn't really agree, and he had a lot of room for improvement, but he has the physical and technical ability required to have a successful career."

Will he be in Philippe Clement's first-team plans?

Director of football recruitment at Ibrox talked about "developing" the player following the announcement of the deal. That could hint at a waiting game and a spell in the Colt team before being thrown into the first-team picture.

But Nsiala doesn't seem like he wants to wait around to make his mark on the starting XI - with reports suggesting the San Siro offer was snubbed so he can focus on regular game time. He had a taste of the first-team in Milan last term making the bench seven times - including in the Champions League clash with Newcastle United - and a single appearance, and he looks set to be challenging Connor Goldson, Leon Balogon and John Souttar for the centre-back spots next term.