Fashion Sakala joins Al-Fayha after leaving Rangers ‘with a broken heart’
Zambia forward Fashion Sakala has left Rangers to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Fayha for an undisclosed fee. The 26-year-old moved to Ibrox from KV Oostende in the summer of 2021 and scored 24 goals in 91 appearances. Prior to the announcement, Sakala wrote on social media that he was departing Ibrox “with a heavy heart, yet a spirit of gratitude”. Rangers manager Michael Beale described the move as a “very good opportunity” for Sakala.
Sakala, who was under contract with Rangers until 2025, said an emotional goodbye to fans on Instagram after being dropped out of the Champions League qualification squad.
“Today marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in my life,” he wrote. “I bid farewell to this esteemed club.
“When I first joined Rangers, I could have never imagined the profound impact this club and its community would have on my life.”
Sakala said the “sense of belonging” he derived from being welcomed at Ibrox was “the driving force behind my performances on the pitch”.
He thanked the “entire management and staff” and the club’s supporters, adding he will “always be a Ranger at heart”.
Beale told the club website Sakala had an “infectious personality” and called him an “outstanding team-mate”.
“He leaves Rangers with a lot of friends and a big good luck from all the staff and players,” added the manager. “He will always be welcome back at Ibrox in the future.”
