According to the latest reports from Daily Record, Gerrard has launched a third attempt to land his former Liverpool team-mate Martin Skrtel. The Slovakian powerhouse has been linked with Rangers since the last one year, but he had a lucrative contract at Fenerbahce which was tough for Rangers to match. Now the defender is a free agent and is said to be looking for a new challenge.
It is believed that Skrtel himself is set to fly to Scotland to have face to face talks with the Glaswegian giants. Gerrard tried his luck in signing the player in the 2018 summer transfer window and even during the start of this year in January. A source in Slovakia reportedly said: “There have been some new conversations, and we will see in the next few days if this deal can happen.”
There is no doubt that Gerrard’s relationship with Skrtel might give him an edge in landing the experienced defender but money wise, Skrtel might have to take a massive pay cut as he earned over £60k-a-week in Turkey. Last summer Skrtel’s agent had said, ”Financially there is no chance of Martin going to Rangers. He couldn’t get half of his wages in Glasgow. It would be more like a third.”
It remains to be seen whether the Gers will be able to get their hands on him this season, now that Skrtel is a free agent.
Why should Rangers add an experienced centre back?
The Gers recently wrapped up the signing of George Edmundson, and that brought their central defender count to three. There is still one more place up for grabs after the departure of Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley. Currently, Nikola Katic and George Edmundson are still young and learning their trade at the top level. Martin Skrtel can be a leader at the back for his side, and he can be far more effective than Gareth McAuley last season.
Why will Skrtel be a good signing?
Skrtel is already 34, and the fans might think that he is another McAuley who would struggle with injuries. However, the Slovakian international is still going strong as he made 40 appearances for Fenerbahce last season and even held his own in the Europa League as the Turkish heavyweights were able to make it out of the group stage.
The defender is physically strong and always committed in his challenges. He might not be a long term option at the club, but he can hit the ground running straight away. The Gers can sign him on a free transfer, so maybe the club can offer Skrtel decent wages (according to his standard) as Gerrard would be saving on the transfer funds.
