Former Rangers manager Pedro Caixinha had brought in Bruno Alves for a two-year contract at the club and there were rumours of him leaving in the January transfer window. Now that the summer transfer window is open, Alves is again linked with a move away. The veteran is entering in the last phase of his career as he struggled to be consistent for the Gers last season.
The new Rangers boss, Steven Gerrard, has gone on to secure the signature of Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic and one feels that Gerrard will persist with his new signings for the upcoming season in the centre back role.
Alves’ time was plagued with injuries as well and he made 25 appearances in all competitions. He still has one year left in his contract and Gerrard will have a decision to make regarding the veteran Portuguese centreback. However, even after an inconsistent season at Glasgow, the Portugal national side manager Fernando Santos has gone on to pick Alves in the World Cup squad, though it is likely that he will be used as a backup option.
The 36-year-old is certainly not the most mobile player on the pitch but he is still good in the air and has a commanding presence at the back. In a case, he leaves Rangers, they will like to bring someone to replace him and we look at three possible options they can go after.
Gareth McAuley
The veteran Northern Irish defender went down to the second division with West Bromwich Albion and his contract is also set to come to an end by the end of this month. The veteran will certainly be a good replacement for Alves as he was still playing in the Premier League which can be termed as the toughest league in the world. He managed 13 appearances last term in all competitions and can be a good backup for Gerrard and company.
John Terry
It will surely be an ambitious move if the Gers manage to land Terry. He was still good enough to lead Aston Villa last season and they only faltered on the final step. The player can take a mentor cum player role at the club. However, his wages will certainly be a big issue but maybe for his former England team-mate, Terry might make an exception.
Curtis Good
The youngest and the most long-term option of the lot as Good is just 25. He had a 6-year spell with Newcastle United but didn’t make many first-team appearances due to various injuries. He is set to leave the club in the summer and can be a decent backup option.
