Fashion Sakala, 26, who was under contract with Rangers until the summer of 2025, announced his departure in an emotional message to Rangers fans on Instagram yesterday.

Coach Michael Beale has also disclosed that the speedy Zambian winger is close to joining a Saudi Arabian club.

Various reports suggest that Rangers are going to earn a fee in the region of £4 million for Sakala.

RELATED ARTICLE: Sakala pens emotional farewell message to Rangers

Speaking during a press conference today, Beale said the incentives on offer from Saudi Arabia were too huge for the Zambian to turn down.

“Fashion Sakala is very close to moving to a team in Saudi. He was a player I was counting on, a boy I had a really close relationship with, maybe even stronger than with anyone else in the group.

“He’s done very well for us, and the strength of the relationship was probably important because the offer for him and his family, I felt, was a very good one. We spoke at length about it, and he leaves with everyone’s well wishes,” revealed Beale.

He added: “He’ll always be invited back to Rangers, but financially, that was an offer for Fashion and his family that he should have taken, and he has done so.”

BolaNews understands that Sakala is set to join the Saudi Pro League side, Al Fayha Club on a permanent deal.

He appeared in 91 games with Rangers, scoring 24 goals and assisting on 15 others since joining them from Belgian side, KV Oostende in 2021.

During his stint with the Gers, he won the Scottish Cup.