After recent information confirmed that there is no interest from Rangers in Hammarby right back Hampus Skoglund, it is abundantly clear that Rangers critically need to acquire that position. The departure of James Tavernier and Max Aarons, not to mention Dujon Sterling’s injury problems, means Rangers essentially have absolutely nobody on that side of defence.
Rangers Need Right Backs
This summer’s critical work must see at least two right backs coming in. This is something that Rangers are actively working on.
There is, of course, huge speculation regarding former Rangers man Nathan Patterson. The problem, of course, with Patterson is his long term injury issues historically as well.
He will, of course, be at the World Cup with Steve Clarke’s Scotland. Rangers fans and indeed other clubs’ fans will get to see just how strong and robust he is.
It is a shop window for the former Rangers youth graduate as well.
Full Back Situation Is Critical
Consequently, however, Rangers’ own position is important. Filling the right back slot with someone permanent is vital.
Rangers only have one left back at the moment. That is Tuur Rommens.
At right back there is no one.
This means Rangers are badly bereft when it comes to both full back positions.
Jayden Meghoma, of course, went back to Brentford. As we have mentioned, Max Aarons has returned south to Bournemouth.
And, of course, naturally, James Tavernier has entirely moved on. This means Rangers have just one full back worth his salt altogether.
Sterling Cannot Do It Alone
Dujon Sterling, alas, is not enough at right back. He is quite solid as a player but unfortunately lacks the robust reliability an injury free player requires.
He is also primarily a defensive midfielder and is better utilised in that position. Naturally, that is not a position he ever gets used in by any of the managers.
But in terms of incomings, all we know is that the Hammarby lad is not coming and Rangers are not even interested in him.
Patterson Remains A Strong Option
However, what is vital is getting that position shored up. That is to say, Rangers need to have a right back in the first place.
Going from three right back options in Sterling, Aarons and Tavernier to Rangers having absolutely nobody now is quite the dramatic change.
This is something that critically must be worked on over the summer.
Nathan Patterson would certainly be one particularly good name to come in. But his reliability, as we say, must be proven over the summer with the World Cup.
Time will tell how this one develops.