Florian Kamberi: Rangers sign Hibs striker after Jermain Defoe injury
- Published
Florian Kamberi has eight goals in 27 games this season
Hibernian striker Florian Kamberi has completed his "dream" move to Rangers on loan until the end of the season.
The Ibrox club turned their focus to adding a forward after Jermain Defoe was ruled out for up to five weeks.
Kamberi, 24, scored 20 goals in 65 games in two spells at Easter Road after signing from Grasshoppers.
"Ever since I came to Scotland it has been a dream for me to move to Rangers and it has happened today, so I am a very, very happy man," he said.
"For me, Ibrox is the best atmosphere I have ever played in. My second game for Hibs was against Rangers at Ibrox and after the game, I told my agent immediately my dream would be to play in this stadium in front of these fans as they are the best fans in the world - the support is massive."
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard says he has been tracking Kamberi for a while and backed the forward to "contribute in a positive way to what we want to achieve this season".
Hibs head coach Jack Ross told BBC Scotland he was surprised to hear Kamberi's comments that it was his dream to play for Rangers.
"It would be [a surprise]," said Ross. "He and I never discussed what his dream scenario would be.
"Players find out about scenarios and possibilities and when they have a strong desire for that to be fulfilled, it's difficult. I think when we knew what Flo wanted to do, we had to find a solution that would be beneficial for us."
Rangers midfielder Greg Docherty has moved to Easter Road on loan as part of the deal. And the day after the transfer deadline, Rangers announced midfielder Glenn Middleton has joined Bradford City on loan until the end of the season.
Docherty, 23, has struggled for game time since returning from a loan spell at Shrewsbury Town last season, making just five appearances. He joined the Ibrox club from Hamilton Academical in January 2018.
Earlier on Friday, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard confirmed former England forward Defoe would be out for that period with the calf injury he sustained against Ross County on Wednesday.
"Jermain is a bit low because he doesn't want to miss football matches. Hopefully we can get him back before that, but if not, it could be the beginning of April after the international break," he said.
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