The last few days has seen Rangers linked with a couple of more creative options for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s midfield, like the manager himself, ones that are not afraid to do the dirty work but are also more than capable of contributing at the sharp end of the pitch as well.
Darius Olaru of Steau Bucharest and Evander of Midtjylland are names that we are already aware of for different reasons; Olaru has been linked previously and Evander scored against us at Ibrox in our 7-3 aggregate win in Europa League qualifying in 2019.
But who would be the better option?
Writing on his Twitter feed, Patrick Caskie, who provides scouting and analysis work for The Rangers Review, This is Ibrox and Scouted Football, has given his verdict:
“I’d pick Evander; he has a more scalable skillset; both would be great domestically, maybe Olaru even moreso as he’s more aggressive and defensively capable but Evander would help us mightily when coming up against teams better than we are and has better sell-on potential.”
Evander is the one I would be most excited by as well, with a goal or an assist almost every two games from the middle of the park, it’s easy to see what he would bring alongside the likes of John Lundstram.
Tom Lawrence has settled in well since signing in the summer, however, I think he would do his best work in a more advance position or coming in from either of the wide roles – he has looked good playing deeper but we don’t have much depth other than more naturally defence minded midfielders.
As when Vital Rangers fist broke the news, I’d be surprised if we made any more signings without letting someone leave first with Glen Kamara being the most obvious choice given that he is no longer guaranteed a start, his international status and what his valuation will probably be.
With 12 days of the transfer window left, there is still plenty of time for a few twists yet.