According to the latest reports from Daily Record, Rangers are set to complete the signing of Bologna’s centre back Filip Helander. The Italian side’s Sporting Director Riccardo Bigon has confirmed that the talks with Rangers have reached an advanced stage. It is believed that the Serie A side are demanding £4.3m for the defender, but Gerrard and company want to get their man closer to £3.5m.
Helander is said to be pushing strongly for a move as he has fallen out of favour under new manager Sinisa Mihajlovic. However, the discussion is far from complete, and the Bears faithful should wait before rejoining about their 8th arrival of this window.
Director Riccardo Bigon recently said, ”Yes, we are talking right now about this possible transfer. I can’t tell you any more than that because the discussions are not yet complete. But we hope to have an agreement very soon.”
Why are Rangers after a centre back?
The Bears lost two centre-halves from last summer in the form of Joe Worrall and Gareth McAuley. Gerrard has gone on to sign a young and upcoming centre back in the form of George Edmundson. One more place is still up for grabs at the back, and that is where someone like Helander can come in. Moreover, it’s the right call from the manager to sign a relatively experienced defender as they have two young guns in the form of Nikola Katic and Edmundson.
What will Helander bring at Ibrox?
The 26-year-old centre back jumped into the limelight when he won European Under 21 Championship with Sweden. Helander is currently a full-time Sweden international and was more or less regular for Bologna until the new manager came in January.
Standing in at 6ft4, Helander is understandably good in the air. The centre back even has the experience of playing Champions League football with Swedish heavyweights Malmo. Not blessed with too much pace, the defender’s defensive qualities are on point as he reads the game well and he can make crucial interceptions and tackles. Given the physical nature of the Premiership, he should slot in well into Rangers’ plan as one of Helander’s standout attribute is his physical prowess.
Once he settles in at Ibrox, we think that he will be more or less regular in Gerrard’s team. The defender is the right mix of youth and experience, and it is understandable why Gerrard is willing to spend millions on this international defender.
