Rangers went through a massive overhaul in the summer as they made as many as 15 signings. That doesn’t mean that they spent truckloads of money as quite a few of their signings were loan deals and free transfers, so the Gers went about smartly in the market. Steven Gerrard is a relatively inexperienced manager, but we believe his presence and influence in English football helped the Gers land certain players.
It’s still early days into the season, but we try to find out which of the loan signings are already looking like a big hit in the initial phase of the season and decide whether Gerrard should make a move for them in the summer.
Lassana Coulibaly
The midfielder arrived from French outfit Angers to Rangers on a season-long loan deal, and the 22-year-old has already looked like he is going to be an essential member of the squad this season. His presence in midfield helped the Gers navigate through some tricky fixtures in the Europa League qualifiers. The Malian has missed the last few games due to injury, and it is no coincidence that the Teddy Bears have struggled to get results in his absence.
His strength and robustness in midfield would add a lot of steel in the middle of the park. His ball playing abilities are also worth mentioning, and he can be the perfect defensive shield in front of the back four.
Verdict
Gerrard should definitely try to get him on a permanent deal next season.
Ryan Kent
The Liverpool winger has shown some sparks here and there, and Gerrard has given the Englishman a regular run into the first team. However, he needs to pull his socks up a bit as the team would want more attacking outlet from him. So far Kent has provided just one assist in 10 games, and the manager would like to see him get involved more in goals. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old has shown some promising signs.
Verdict
The decision hangs in the balance right now as he needs to do more to warrant a permanent move next summer.
Joe Worrall
The Nottingham Forest defender is still waiting to make his debut so one cannot comment on how he has fared so far. However, he is young and has showcased leadership abilities throughout his career, and the centre back can play a crucial role in a long season.
Verdict
Needs to play a bit before we can pass a judgment.
Ovie Ejaria
Gerrard did use his influence with Liverpool to good effect as he landed the talented England u-21 international. Ejaria has almost sealed a regular place in the starting eleven and has scored two crucial goals in 13 appearances. The central midfielder is industrious and creative at the same time and can be a decent bet for the future.
Verdict
The midfielder is definitely worth signing, but given that he is just 20 and has showcased such talent, Liverpool would still want to hold onto him longer and to sign him on a permanent basis, the Gers might have to shell out a good amount of cash in the summer. So even if Rangers want to sign him, file this under the category of ‘highly unlikely’.
Umar Sadiq
The AS Roma striker is coming with an excellent reputation behind him, but he has found it hard to get into the playing eleven at the moment. So far he has made just substitute appearances, and the form of Alfredo Morelos has kept him out of the team.
Verdict
It is unlikely that Gerrard would spend a lot of money on the youngster in the future as he is going to be used as a backup option this season to Kyle Lafferty and Morelos. A permanent move for Sadiq is not on the cards.
