Rangers, a resurgent force under Steven Gerrard, are still undergoing the process of rebuilding to reignite the title battle drawing an end to Celtic’s supremacy. The gaffer is having yet another busy window and has managed to rope in an array of high-profile youngsters fending off interest from the other suitors.
Despite their efforts of bringing Ryan Kent back on loan, Liverpool are playing hardball regarding sanctioning a permanent sale of their prized asset. Yet the inclusion of Jake Hastie, Sheyi Ojo, Greg Stewart and Jordan Jones highlights the gaffer’s keenness on wing-play and the return of Jamie Murphy from a long-term knee injury would strengthen the Gers furthermore down the wide areas.
They, therefore, are well equipped in the attacking third and set to offload a few to cut off wage bills. While Eros Grezda has no future at Ibrox having been left out of the travelling squad for their pre-season trip in Portugal, teenager Glenn Middleton is set to depart on a season-long loan after falling behind the pecking order.
The 19-year-old Scotsman was impressive last season in Rangers’ Europa League outings, but he needs game time to flourish his skills. Middleton was supposed to join League One outfit Doncaster Rovers having been monitored by their former boss Grant McCann. The Northern Irishman, meanwhile, has joined Hull City to succeed Nigel Adkins as the Tigers’ head coach casting major doubts over Middleton’s proposed move to Donny, according to The Scottish Sun.
Although it is still unclear whether McCann would try to bring him in KCOM, the potential exit of in-demand Jarrod Bowen might open the door for the ex-Norwich City starlet. However, uncertainty is mounting over Middleton’s future, and the Bears might have to find a new club for their highly-rated prodigy where there would be opportunities as well as expectations.
The Scotland youth international left Norwich to join the Glasgow giants back in January 2018 and went on to score five times and assisted four more times in 27 senior appearances last season across all competitions.
Middleton impressed with his energetic runs, swift skills, cut insides and directness while taking on the defenders from the flanks. The winger has a bright future ahead of him if he continues to flourish in proper footballing infrastructure and environment.
Gerrard previously heaped praise on the youngster for his impact on big occasions and should promote him as a key first-team individual in the long run. But his development is crucial, and the club must analyse things rationally before loaning him out for the upcoming term.
