If the latest bookmaker odds are to be believed, Rangers are second favourites to lure Stoke City’s veteran midfielder Charlie Adam to the Ibrox Stadium in the summer. Adam’s contract which confines him to the bet365 Stadium expires at the end of this month and he is looking for his options, with the Gers supposedly listed as one of the likeliest destinations where he could ply his trade in the upcoming campaign.
The Glasgow based outfit appeared to be bereft of quality as well as productivity as they failed to impose any sort of monumental challenge to their arch rivals, Celtic, in the domestic competitions. Under the tutelage of Brendan Rodgers, the Bhoys clinched the domestic treble and Pedro Caixinha’s men could only muster a 3rd place finish. To ensure they carve a better footing for themselves next term, the former Al-Gharafa boss would need proven faces and Adam certainly fits the bill.
The 31-year-old emerged through the youth ranks of Dundee before being plucked by the Light Blues way back in 2003. Adam, over the course of his career, has garnered adequate experience of Scottish as well as English football, with Rangers, Liverpool and Stoke City being the most notable names.
He was sporadically used by Mark Hughes last campaign as he collected merely 17 starts under the 53-year-old manager, whilst which he scored a goal, clocked three assists and inked 0.8 tackle, 0.9 interception, one clearance and 0.3 block per game on an average.
Caixinha has already acquired notable names like Bruno Alves, Ryan Jack and Fabio Cardoso to beef up the quality of his arsenal and getting someone like Adam would be a huge statement of intent from the Portuguese. A defensive midfielder of fine calibre, the Scot cushions the backline pretty well, is a resilient force and is quite sound aerially as well. Besides, he is capable enough to play as a central midfielder as well and loves to test the opposition’s goalkeeper from the distance.
It goes without saying that the Teddy Bears are in a dire need of having a leader who could marshal the troops in a shrewd manner and given his Premier League experience, Adam can do the needful. He not only has club level experience but also has also carved games under his belt with the Scottish national side and without any shadow of a doubt, a reunion (if a deal churns out) could eventually turn out to be a match made in heaven.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
