Filip Helander has finally addressed the transfer speculation for the first time since it broke that Aston Villa and Leicester, among others, are interesting in adding him to their squads next season.
The Swedish international’s stock has risen significantly in recent times, culminating in his becoming a first-choice for his country, and his Rangers displays have only added to his value.
However he hasn’t been an entire first choice this season, and is said to be a little frustrated at being unable to hold down a slot.
On the interest he stresses he’s happy at Rangers, but doesn’t quite go as far as to say he’s not interested in a move away.
He said:
“It’s just speculation. I feel good here and I have two years left on my contract here. That’s really the only thing to think about. I want to continue to perform well at Rangers and then hope to be able to join the European Championship [squad] this summer. This is where my focus lies.”
This is the best and cleverest thing a player can say – emphasise contentment with life at your present club, but not completely rule out a move away, because doing so would be folly and potentially hypocritical.
Helander will move if the price is right for Rangers and the destination is right for him – but as he says, his main focus is on playing for Sweden at the Euros and finishing out his season at Ibrox.
That should be a given now, but his long term future in Govan may not be so much.
Still, if Rangers make a big profit with any sale, it will be a worthwhile exercise.