Rangers announce loan signing of Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Rangers have announced the signing of striker Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season, subject to international clearance.

The 21-year-old will officially complete his temporary move to Ibrox on January 1 and become the first signing under new manager Philippe Clement.

Silva joined Wolves from Portuguese giants Porto for a club-record fee of £35m in the summer of 2020, but he is yet to reach the heights expected at Molineux.

The Portugal Under-21 international has contributed with five goals and six assists in 72 appearances for Wolves, and has only featured for 262 minutes across the club's first 19 Premier League matches this season.

Silva had previously chipped in with 16 goals and six assists across two loan spells with Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven last season, but he has since fallen down the pecking order under Gary O'Neil at Wolves and will seek regular first-team football with Rangers for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign.

Speaking to Rangers' official website after joining the club, Silva said: "I am very happy, when I spoke to people about Glasgow and about Rangers, everyone told me good things about the club and the history.

The Scarf Pic 💙 @Silva_Fabio pic.twitter.com/7I4290jatW

— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) December 28, 2023

"I played here once with Porto in the Europa League, so I already know the warm club, the environment and the stadium, so everything is perfect.

"I am very happy to be here, and I can't wait to start training with the team."

Clement added: "I am delighted we have been able to secure the signing of Fabio, he is a highly-rated striker and it is fantastic to have him joining our squad for the remainder of the season.

"He is a young player who already has some great experience in his career in both England and in Europe, and I am looking forward to working with him moving forward."

Chief executive James Bisgrove continued: "After speaking at length with Philippe, the chairman and our football board ahead of this transfer window, we are all aligned in the areas we are looking to strengthen heading into 2024.

"It is hugely positive to have been able to add to the squad so early, especially with a player of Fabio's calibre, and we are delighted to welcome him to Rangers."

Silva will not be available for Rangers' next match against Old Firm rivals Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday, but the striker could be in a position to make his debut for the Gers in next Tuesday's Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock at Ibrox.