Scottish Premiership outfit, Rangers, have chalked out some stupendous deals over the course of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Daniel Candeias, Bruno Alves, Ryan Jack, Alfredo Morelos, Fabio Cardoso and Eduardo Herrera making a move to the Ibrox Stadium. The Gers have significantly beefed up their arsenal and on paper (in terms of quality), they do look like a side capable enough to challenge for the domestic silverwares.
Pedro Caixinha’s outfit, however, were linked to Heart of Midlothian’s superstar, Jamie Walker, throughout the summer. The 24-year-old attracted widespread attention from the football fraternity after he banged 15 goals last season for the Jambos and erected his name as one of the finest players last season. In order to fend off interests from Walker’s admirers to prise him away from Tynecastle Park, the Jambos slapped a price tag of £1million on his collar.
Rangers were adamant not to table Hearts’ asking price for Walker and if one of the reports by Daily Record is to be believed, their third and final bid of £500,000 was rejected by Hearts. Despite a lot of discussions and negotiations even after the third bid, a deal failed to materialize and as it stands at this stroke of the hour after the closure of the summer transfer window, Walker still finds himself in the ranks of Jon Daly’s arsenal.
So, was it an opportunity squandered or a well-calculated move by Rangers?
In the tactical nous of the former Al-Gharafa boss, there is still an apparent lack of quality on the wings. They only have Candeias to be pencilled on the right-wing and two players in Niko Kranjcar and Josh Windass for the left-wing. Having said that, they did manage to sign Aaron Nemane, who is predominantly a left-winger, but given his lack of experience, it is unlikely that Caixinha would trust him this season unless there arise some woes with respect to the lack of personnel.
Now looking at the scenario from another perspective, it has to be jotted down that Walker’s contract with his current employers expires at the end of this season. The winger has reportedly told Hearts that he would not be renewing his contract and this implies that he could be signed for free next summer.
From what transpired during the transfer window, it was clear that the Scot would cherish making a move to his beloved club, Rangers. Thus, the Teddy Bears should be getting their man next summer, without paying any asking price!
