Jorg Albertz has sent a warning plea to Alfredo Morelos to think about his future intentions carefully.
From one man to another who was loved at Ibrox and had the best time of his career, the ever-popular German has pondered just how happy the Colombian would be if he was to move on for the wrong reasons, even if a seriously enhanced contract was on offer.
He is candid enough to acknowledge that money is a game changer but he knows how much happiness means and how the bond in the stadium with the fans can have a beneficial impact.
“When I watch him at Ibrox, it’s clear just how much he’s loved by the Rangers supporters. And it looks like he loves playing for them too.”
“But at the end of this season, he’ll have just one year left on his contract.”
“The Rangers board will already be thinking about this – and a lot might depend on whether they win the title.”
Plan
Much will depend on Morelos relationship with his new advisors, the early outcome of that will likely be a push toward a better contract at Ibrox or a destination elsewhere comes Summer time.
This season is ‘El Bufalo’s’ fifth in Glasgow and he could decide that is enough – a situation that most could accept. It really will depend what offers are circling for the focal point of the Ibrox attack but Albertz makes a point, perhaps not fully realised during a player’s career.
The destiny of the current title race will also be a factor with the riches and clamour of Europe’s top tournament having an obvious pull as he continued:
“It will come down to the boy himself too, of course. But I’d say to Alfredo, he won’t find another club where he’ll be accepted and loved like he is at Rangers.”
“If he has the chance to play in the Champions League for Rangers, it’s a no-brainer.”
“At the moment, for the player and the club, it would be amazing if he signed a new long-term contract and I think Rangers will be trying to plan for this right now.”
What will be, will be in more ways than one. There will be high profile departures this Summer as the Gerrard era team reaches the likely end of the road. Morelos is one with time on his side age-wise but not in terms of his contract. If that isn’t sorted by the close season, expect to say adios, amigo.