It was a sea of ramifications during the summer transfer window for Rangers as manager Pedro Caixinha concluded a lot of signings in order to beef his arsenal, with some quality names like Bruno Alves, Daniel Candeias, Ryan Jack, Graham Dorrans and Fabio Cardoso making a move to Ibrox Stadium. However, one of the players Caixinha failed to lure into his ranks during the summer was Aberdeen’s midfielder Kenny McLean.
The Gers had reportedly tabled a bid of £300,000 to prise McLean out of Pittodrie Stadium, but the Dons didn’t sanction a move. Nonetheless, Aberdeen’s manager Derek McInnes has confirmed that the 25-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the ongoing campaign, would not be penning his signature on a new deal and would leave the club once the curtains of this season fall. So, is the ball in Rangers’ court now?
McLean progressed through the youth ranks of the Light Blues and St Mirren, before being elevated to the senior side of the latter. After making a significant impact with the Saints, Aberdeen roped him into their arsenal in the January transfer window of 2015.
He has been an instrumental figure in the tactical nous of the Dandies and had received his first Scotland cap last year owing to his stupendous run of form in the Scottish Premiership.
The Scot grew up supporting Rangers and it was reported by the Scottish Sun last month that the former Al-Gharafa boss could be eyeing a move to sign him in the January transfer window. The switch would be a dream come true for McLean and it goes without saying that the Teddy Bears would be able to lay their hands on one of the finest players of the Scottish top division if they manage to get the deal done.
Tall, strong and a calm and composed figure in the middle of the park, McLean has immense experience under his belt and is well acclimatized with the animosity which Scottish football offers. Predominantly a central midfielder, he is capable of playing down the left and he does showcase his stellar technical and tactical understanding of the game week in and week out. Besides, his crisp attacking movements make him a complete package.
Rangers were knocked out of the League Cup by Motherwell last weekend and they are 6 points behind their arch-rivals, Celtic, in the league table. Caixinha might be looking to bolster his side during January transfer window to challenge the Celts for the Premiership title and considering McLean’s situation with Aberdeen, they might actually go for him.
