Rangers were recently linked with a move for Aberdeen skipper Graeme Shinnie. The experienced midfielder is currently in the final few months of his contract with the Dons and is going to be available on a free transfer in the summer. However, latest reports from the Express as cited by Daily Record indicates that the player and his agent have made it clear that he won’t move to Ibrox in the summer.
Shinnie has been influential for Derek McInnes in a defensive midfield role and his ability to asses the situation and clear out the danger has helped his side on many occasions. The 27-year-old is also wanted by League One leaders Luton Town. The midfielder can join his brother Andrew to play for the Hatters as a promotion to the Championship looks likely for them.
Losing out on Shinnie isn’t a big blow for Rangers as Gerrard have got plenty of cover in the defensive midfield position. It’s true that Scotsman’s experience and versatility would have come in handy as Shinnie can also play as a left-back when required. But even there, Gerrard has two decent options in the form of Borna Barisic and Andy Halliday.
Gerrard had indicated that he would like to add key players to the squad and the Gers are not going to make wholesale changes like the last season. Ross McCrorire and Ryan Jack are more than handy options to start in the defensive midfield position, so the Gers don’t need to worry about losing Shinnie.
Rangers will be better off signing a more creative or attack-minded midfielder as their problem has been opening up defences. Currently, all the midfielders that the Light Blues have are similar in nature, and almost all of them are workhorses. The club needs to add someone who can provide that quality with the ball at their feet.
Aberdeen themselves are reportedly keen on keeping hold of their captain but moving to play in the Championship could be a tempting prospect for the 27-year-old. Moreover, the fact that he could team up with his brother at Luton can tilt the scales in favour of the English club.
The Dons have been Achilles heel for Rangers this season as they eliminated the Glaswegian giants twice from Cup competitions. Rangers will probably love it if a talent like Shinnie moves away. However, we would all like to see Scottish clubs keeping hold of their best players to create a better spectacle in the Premiership.
