Rangers signing Nnamdi Ofoborh from Bournemouth raises more questions than answers as Steven Gerrard sets about continuing to develop his squad into one that can win trophies on the pitch whilst boosting the bank balance off it.
There is no doubt that we need to strengthen our midfield, not because of any specific weakness but because resting on our laurels could see problems develop further down the line if we don’t act now.
I’d see the Nigerian youth international filling a similar role to that of Calvin Bassey in that he is a player with technical potential and physical attributes that can be developed into a saleable asset, he is also a player that is capable of playing in more than one position.
Only this season he was trusted to play as an auxiliary centre-half against Pep Guardiola’s much vaunted Manchester City side despite being more comfortable in the heart of midfield.
The six midfielders that Steven Gerrard currently has at his disposal are all completely different and Ofoborh, described as a “born winner” by Eddie Howe can’t really be compared with any of them either, it does, however, raise the question of our own midfield talent making the breakthrough.
Stephen Kelly impressed in the Championship last season and has done so again stepping up to the Premiership with Ross County this term, there isn’t much more he can do to suggest that he should at least be given the chance next season to force his way into the gaffer’s reckoning on a match day but with another midfielder joining, he may be wondering if his future lies away from Ibrox.
We have to consider though that Steven Davis won’t be around forever, Scott Arfield is approaching his mid-thirties and there has been lot of talk about Glen Kamara heading to the Premier League, personally I’d also like to see the option taken up on Bongani Zungu’s contract but his would be a signing that we wouldn’t get much back on our investment.
It’s a strange time for Rangers fans in terms of recruitment in that we are seeing some fine tuning or players bought as investments being brought in, not necessarily ready to step in straight away but ones that in 12-months time could replace those that are sold on – Ofoborh’s profile fits that mould perfectly, regardless of whether it puts a few noses out of joint.