Now in the cash-rich Premier League and backed with a considerable budget at Aston Villa, Steven Gerrard is no longer shopping for Bosmans and hundred thousand pound deals.
Already this month, he has secured deals in different forms, for Phillipe Coutinho, Lucas Digne, Kerr Smith and Robin Olsen but the Scottish title winner is adamant that there is more to come.
With an understanding that Gerrard is also looking to bring in a central defender and a holding midfielder, should Rangers be wary of a bid to follow for one of the main assets in Gio van Bronckhorst’s dressing room?
First of all, to be clear, we are well aware that Aston Villa as are all Premier League clubs, generally shopping at a much different level with far greater prices tags than the Scottish Premiership but that’s not to say that he wouldn’t come back to his old club for talent.
The evidence of that lies in John McGinn, arguably Villa’s most important player.
As reported by Birmingham Live, Gerrard was bullish on business to come:
“Nothing has changed. I told you I was analysing a few things behind the scenes and, if the right player and the right opportunity comes up to make the team stronger and better, we’ll try and pounce like we have done previously.”
“We’ve had a positive window so far but, if the right players don’t become available, we’ll have to wait and be patient.”
Vulnerable
The same source, above, stated the two positions that Gerrard is looking to cover, whilst they have been linked with Rodrigo Bentancur of Juventus.
Given the relationship the former Ibrox manager nurtured and enjoyed with the likes of Glen Kamara, Connor Goldson and even Joe Aribo, such a move cannot be ruled out and to be blunt, Gerrard knows the finances involved to tip the scales. At this late point in the transfer window, Rangers would be struggling to secure adequte replacements for the big hitters but ultimately, every player has their price.
The saving grace in that regard is the focus of the title retention bid and the settled nature of the squad. Manager, directors and the Rangers supporters know the importance of the rest of this season and it would take a ridiculous offer for any such sales to be sanctioned.