Diallo’s experience at Rangers shapes his future

The loan signing of Man Utd starlet Amad Diallo in January was met with excitement and expectation by Rangers fans as the club looked to regain the Scottish Premiership title.

An electrifying debut against Ross County, where he scored one and assisted another via a deflection, hinted that the £19m asset might live up to his billing.

Sadly, Diallo’s promising start soon petered out. Although culpable for dropping points, the Ivorian winger became a scapegoat for the team’s defensive frailties.

A torrid performance at Celtic Park led to a collapse in confidence and form. Despite showing glimpses of his prodigious talent, Diallo failed to consistently showcase the trickery and energy that prompted Rangers to sign him on loan.

A season-long loan at Sunderland has helped Diallo rediscover his mojo. The 20-year-old has netted 12 goals for the Black Cats, reminiscent of the player that Rangers thought they were acquiring.

Older and wiser heads have struggled under the weight of expectation at Ibrox, but Diallo’s tender age and lack of experience were mitigating factors.

Will Amad Diallo join Rangers again?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Rangers defender Alan Hutton lamented Diallo’s failure to replicate his Sunderland form at Ibrox.

"“I am kind of disappointed because when he first came to Rangers that is what we were expecting, that high energy, trickery and ability that he has shown at Sunderland,” Hutton said. “He did not quite manage it, maybe that was the pressure of going to the big club.”"

Hutton believes Diallo will get an opportunity under new Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag but may have to move on if he can’t break into the first team.

Rangers is unlikely to be an option with four years left on Diallo’s contract and his hefty price tag. More than talent and potential are required to thrive at Ibrox, as Diallo discovered.

While the winger has exorcised his Rangers demons, his long-term future lies away from Glasgow. At Sunderland, Diallo is finally showing what might have been.