One of Scotland’s finest exports is currently thriving against the odds and, as a result, has been the subject of increased transfer speculation in recent months.
Ryan Gauld is flying at Farense in Portugal’s Liga NOS, unfortunately though he is having to do a lot of the work on his own and they are struggling to get out of the relegation zone, but for the 25-year old’s efforts they would already be down.
Recent reports suggest he is out of contract at the end of this season but when Gauld signed for Farense the details of his contract were announce by a club spokesman, as reported by The Scottish Sun:
“Sporting Clube Farense announces that it has reached an agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the definitive transfer of the international athlete Scot, Ryan Gauld for the next two seasons, plus one of option.
“Last season Ryan Gauld had a very positive performance during his stay at Farense.
“We also inform you that the player has the highest termination clause in the club’s history, €4M.”
Vital Rangers Player of the Year 2020/21
Allan McGregor
Connor Goldson
James Tavernier
Steven Davis
To further confuse things, his current status with Transfermarkt displays his contract ending in 2022, however, the Scots Abroad Podcast is reporting that he is in fact available for free this summer, the latter being a much more reliable source and, if I had to hang my hat on one, it would be that.
Ryan Gauld Situation Explained
Got a few questions on my post:
– Farense signed him on a 2yr + 1option deal (to be agreed)
– On Transfermrkt you will see the Option is now removed but it now says 2022 endThe Option is not agreed & Gauld is a FREE transfer
🏴⚽️🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/2Jw5R60kf6
— ScotsAbroadPod (@ScotsAbroadPod) April 8, 2021
Gauld is one of the best creative midfielders in the league – see Marc Lamberts analysis of him here – and when you consider he is up against dominant teams like Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Braga, it makes his numbers even more impressive, with Jordan Jones and Brandon Barker likely to be heading off, he would be perfect for one of our number 10 roles or playing deeper in midfield – especially if he is available for free.
Ryan Gauld 2020/21 Highlights
Games 24
Goals 5
Assists 7
Motm 7 (v Benfica & Braga)He is actually available on a FREE transfer in the summer irrespective of Farense’ survival.
He’ll be an absolute steal!
🏴⚽️🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/JxDpzcLFYb
— ScotsAbroadPod (@ScotsAbroadPod) April 6, 2021
Ross Wilson is known for playing his cards close to his chest and if we are interested in signing Gauld, he certainly hasn’t let on to anyone, it’s very much a case of “watch this space” and keeping the fingers crossed.