Reports claim that Brighton And Hove Albion have agreed to let Connor Goldson move to Rangers FC this summer for a price in the region of £3.5m. After multiple rejected bids, both parties have finally laid down the baton as the 25-year-old awaits on a welcome parade at the Ibrox. This would be Steven Gerrard’s second signing as the Gers boss, right after Scott Arfield’s free transfer from Burnley last month.
Goldson hardly featured for the Seagulls’ first team this past season due to the cemented starting spots of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy. He appeared in 11 games throughout the 2017/18 campaign with just 949 minutes of playing time registered.
Some of his missed time on the pitch can be attributed to the daunting heart surgery he had to undergo in February last year. The former Shrewsbury Town defender was ruled out for the entire season but somehow made a miraculous recovery and returned to action in the 1-0 Premier League win over Watford last December.
Goldson arrived at the AMEX Stadium in the summer of 2015 on a 4-year deal and has registered 42 senior team appearances. He also played 3 games for the club’s U23 side last campaign.
The Wolverhampton-born defender is a product of the Shrewsbury Town youth system. It was at the New Meadow where he impressed the Brighton scouts after making 120 senior team appearances and scoring 8 in the process. Goldson was handed over his first professional contract mid-way through his scholarship program with the Shrews.
He developed his game while out on loan to Cheltenham Town, where he made just 4 league appearances. The 25-year-old was brought out by Albion only as a backup to Duffy and Dunk.
He does not have many competitors in the Brighton ranks and yet he has had trouble breaking into the first team, mostly due to his recent health concerns. A change of scenario looks to be on the cards as Rangers look forward to making him their leading centre-back.
Rangers did not renew a permanent deal for Russell Martin from Norwich City on the extinction of the veteran’s loan agreement. Bruno Alves remains an injury concern and David Bates is still in the midst of a development phase.
The Gers need an able body in the backline who will stand strong against pacey and physically imposing forwards. Goldson is the right man for their needs and could be key in developing Gerrard’s future plans.
