We all know that Ross Wilson loves a pre-contract transfer, and with Rangers potentially needing to add to their forward line next summer, getting in early is a good way to save a few pounds.
Every year we say it but surely Alfredo Morelos won’t be around for another season? Yes, there is the prospect of playing Champions League football if we win the Scottish Premiership, but if the right club comes in and offers decent money, it would be highly unlikely that that alone is enough to keep him.
Cedric Itten could earn himself a permanent move to the Bundesliga if he impresses out on loan and Jermain Defoe is already transitioning into his coaching career, another playing contract is highly unlikely – we could be three strikers short.
With this in mind, these players could offer Rangers real quality in attack without having to break the bank:
Eddie Nketiah
The Arsenal youngster has impressed at every age group for example, 16 goals in 17 England Undeer-21 appearances and is now at a crossroads in his career as he looks for regular game time to make the leap into senior football, he impressed at Ibrox in pre-season and the “Steven Gerrard” factor could be handy, however, I’d be surprised if we aren’t priced out due to wage demands and competition with sides in the Premier League also chasing his signature.
Divock Origi
The Belgian international’s name has been linked before with a move to Ibrox and at 26-years old he really needs to make sure his next club is the right one, a consistent run as number one striker at a club that creates plenty of chances could see him rediscover the form that earned him a move to Liverpool in the first place – if we did sell Morelos, Origi would make a lot of sense in terms of profile, age and cost.
Danilo
Ajax’s Brazilian Under-23 international has found himself very much on the periphery of the first-team despite a loan spell at Twente producing 17 goals and five assists in 34 appearances last season, hist first in senior football. Danilo would, alongside Nketiah, best fit our model of buying low – and young – and selling high, with a huge ceiling in terms of his potential.
Our sporting director will no doubt have a list of names a lot longer than this one but it would be a surprise if at least one of them doesn’t make the cut. Getting contract extensions sorted remains a priority but, as we’ve already seen from Wilson, he isn’t one to neglect preparing for the future – just in case.