The transfer race for Oldham Atheltic’s defender George Edmundson has seen a see-saw battle, and the scales have tilted on numerous occasions in the race for which side will sign him. Peterborough United, Rangers and Portsmouth had shown real interest in the centre back, and all three registered multiple bids for the English defender. However, this ‘triple threat’ battle is set to turn into a two way battle as League One side Peterborough have pulled out of the race.
In a lengthy Twitter rant, Peterborough’s owner Darragh MacAnthony lashed out at Oldham for their way of dealing with the matter. MacAnthony believed that he had come to an agreement with the club, but the Latics later pulled out and wanted more money for their star defender. Infuriated with the decision, the owner decided to pull th plug on the transfer altogether.
Rangers have already had two bids rejected, but they are still said to be in the race along with Portsmouth. Gerrard wouldn’t mind the latest development as they have one less competitor to fend off now.
It remains to be seen what new twist and turn this transfer drama would throw up in the next few days. Rangers were said to have the edge over other rivals as some reports earlier mentioned that the defender prefers a move to the Scottish giants.
Is he worth the fuss?
We believed that Rangers had made a ‘magnificent offer’, but it wasn’t enough. Rangers’ last bid was said to be at £500,000 with further add ons. Portsmouth had a bid of £600,000 accepted, and we feel that the Gers should go ahead and match that bid as losing a talented 21-year-old defender for £100,000 would be embarrassing.
Now even if that isn’t enough to lure the defender, then they should probably not make a twitter statement like Celtic and move on silently to other targets. Edmundson is in the final year of his contract and Rangers are definitely paying handsomely for a defender who is yet to be tested outside of the English fourth tier.
What can Edmundson bring to the table?
The English centre back was named in League Two’s team of the season, and he made 54 appearances for his side in all competitions last campaign. At just 21, he established himself in the first team. Edmundson is known for his impressive strength and reading of the game. The Englishman also acts as a leader at the back as he is seen trying to organise the defence.
However, he is yet to be tested at a more competitive level, and it remains to be seen how he would perform when there would be the pressure of winning every game at Rangers.
