Earlier we discussed how Rangers are shopping in the PL these days, and aren’t relying on trashy loans like Ovie Ejaria, Loussana Coulibaly or Sheyi Ojo any longer.
And if we look at the squad Steven Gerrard has built over the past three years, it’s a squad which, we can honestly say, could easily hold its own in the PL and is filled with that quality of player.
In goal, Allan McGregor is more than capable of PL – and has plenty of experience at that level.
In defence, James Tavernier might never have played at PL level but he’s been excellent at UEL level and could clearly handle it now. Plus at least three of our CBs are more than handy at that level in Helander, Goldson and Balogun. Katic could be, but still needs to prove himself a bit. Borna Barisic of course would stroll the PL.
In midfield, Glen Kamara is easily PL quality, and Steven Davis was signed from there, while Scott Arfield was as well.
In an attacking sense, Joe Aribo came from League One but PL Villa wanted him and he’s shown himself good enough for the UEL as well as his country, while Ianis Hagi certainly has the talent as well. And of course Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos could deliver at that level. Defoe already has.
The only first team player we have any doubt over is Kemar Roofe – he was good in the Championship, good in Belgium, but he’s beset with inconsistency and injury issues, and at age 28 has never had a Jamaica cap, although he did get an invitation he never did turn out.
But our point?
Rangers are not only filled with PL-quality players, we shop in that market now. Gone are the days we relied on Championship loans and half our team was filled with average kids from Spurs or Arsenal.
Rangers are Champions and an imminent CL group stage contender – we no longer have to dine at the lower table for new players, and this summer Rangers have major carrots to entice such quality.
It just means that while we’re likely to sell a Glen Kamara or Filip Helander this summer, we can certainly shop at a high level to replace these guys like for like.
And that’s a good state of things for sure.
I think the very top players in the Championship would fall into our consideration. It’s a very competitive league and PL teams often sign younger players from those leagues. I think our strategy will remain fairly similar in that we’re likely to target young stars with potential for vast sell on profits, which will mean taking a punt on the best of the rest from time to time. If you can sign a Kamara for £50,000, I think we’ll constantly be looking for the next one with the signings of Simpson, Wright and Ofoborh being prime examples. You don’t always need to spend big to bring in great quality. Shags, Arfield, Davis and Defoe all free end of contract signings as well (barring loan fees for the latter two). Shows our scouting team is on top of things knowing when potential assets are available. It’s a good time to be a bear. WATP 💙
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