Recently reports had emerged that Steven Gerrard went to France to negotiate a deal for Rennes’ centre back Edson Mexer. The 30-year-old is currently in the final few days of his contract with the club, and he is set to be available on a free transfer. Recently Mexer posted a picture on Instagram with the caption “Walking to the future.” Daniel Candeias of Rangers replied, saying: “The future is here my friend.”
We don’t really see how the Portuguese and the Mozambique international would have known each other beforehand. Therefore it’s clear that the rumours of Rangers looking to sign the defender is accurate, and we feel that it could happen as Gerrard had personally visited France to talk to Mexer.
Obviously, there are a lot of things which have to work out still, but Rangers have already shown that they are keen on strengthening for the next summer. Moreover, they are willing to do their transfer businesses early as they have already signed the likes of Jake Hastie and Greg Stewart.
Why Rangers need a defender?
The Bears are set to lose the likes of Joe Worrall whose loan spell is about to expire. Gareth McAuley’s contract is also coming to an end in the next few days. The veteran defender might not have played much this season, but he was an option which Gerrard could have called upon. The club will lose the services of two centre-halves, and they would need replacing in the upcoming transfer market.
What will Mexer add to Gerrard’s team?
Defensively, Rangers have been often naive, and quite a few goals they have conceded have come about because of their own undoings. Lack of communication between the two centre-halves has cost them a lot, and the team needs an experienced defender to take over at the back.
Mexer could be that perfect option. He is not an old as McAuley who was way past his prime when he signed for the club. The Rennes defender has the experience of playing in over 100 games in the Ligue 1, and he has been a standout defender for his side this season.
The 30-year-old is strong and committed in his challenges, and he can also play out from the back. With plenty of experience, Mexer could be the defender which the doctor ordered. On a free transfer, he could be a massive coup for Gerrard. With Candeias indicating to the player that the future is at Ibrox, we are quite sure that both the parties are already in talks for a summer move.
