One thing that Filip Helander’s absence has proven is that Ross Wilson really needs to bring another centre-half in in January, or at least get one signed up on a pre-contract deal for next season.
As we saw last season, he was quick to replace George Edmundson with Jack Simpson and now, he should look to do something similar, although there is an even more pressing concern given that Leon Balogun and Connor Goldson are both out of contract at the end of the year.
I’d still expect both of them to line-up next term, however, with every passing month, I’m less confident that Goldson will be here, especially with rumours of Premier League interest – a centre-half with his experience, approaching his peak years and ability to play without ever missing a game or training session will be hugely desirable on a pre-contract or free transfer.
We “missed out” on Joseph Okumu in the summer but one centre-half who will be available to tak to other clubs in January and who were were heavily linked with is 22-year old Dutch youth cap and Vitesse Arnhem captain, Danilho Doekhi.
His signing should now be escalated to a priority because he would be able to join immediately and provide better depth in the middle of defence, as we have seen with Simpson and Calvin Bassey, outside of our top three and most experienced campaigners, there simply isn’t the strength that we need.
The signing of Simpson was a low risk one given that he was never going to be first choice but even a back-up has to reach a certain level at Rangers, they have to be trusted, Bassey has earned that at left-back but looked miles off the standard we need in at centre-half – with an even lower risk transfer available, it’s a move that should be made as soon as possible before it’s too late.