Jermain Defoe has played second fiddle to Alfredo Morelos when the Colombian has been available, but the English striker is expected to play a more integral part next season if the club goes on to sell their hot-headed striker. Steven Gerrard has seemingly had enough of the forward as once again Morelos let down the fans, manager and most importantly his team-mates in the derby.
Many want Morelos to be shifted in the summer, and that could mean that Jermain Defoe will get regular chances to feature up front. The striker is going to get his chances this season as well given that Morelos is suspended, and maybe the Colombian might have played his last game for Rangers.
Jermain Defoe joined Rangers on an 18-month loan, but Bournemouth still have the option of recalling the striker during the two transfer windows. However, the former Tottenham striker recently made comments which should delight the Rangers fans.
What did Defoe say?
The 36-year-old forward was quoted as saying (The Express), “I want to stay here, for sure. I want a full season to try to achieve something special here. I am focused on being here and scoring goals for Rangers. I want to help the team, it’s as simple as that. So far it’s been great. There have been ups and downs, but that’s football. However, I believe next season we can really kick on and achieve something.”
What now for Rangers?
There is no doubt that Gerrard will look to sign a new striker if he goes on to sell Morelos. The manager should realise that he cannot depend on Defoe for the entire season given that the Englishman is 36 and Rangers’ season will begin early as they are likely to play in the Europa League qualifiers. The amount of fixtures and physicality of the league might catch up with the veteran forward so it will be very important for Rangers to use the money well after selling Morelos.
Defoe has shown glimpses of what he can provide on the pitch as he has managed five goals and six assists in 14 appearances for Rangers. There is no doubt that he can carry the goalscoring burden for the next season as well as he still looks fit and hungry.
Often players at this point of the career look for easy pay cheques but Defoe still seems keen to prove his worth in the new division. His experience is going to come in handy in tough situations. Gerrard and the Rangers fans would be happy that they don’t need to worry about Defoe’s future in the upcoming transfer window.
