Despite making a plethora of signings this summer, Rangers are not done yet in the transfer market. The arrival of Swedish centre-back Filip Helander has been announced, but the latest statement from an old friend of Steven Gerrard has revived the speculations once again.
Martin Skrtel opted not to extend his contract at Fenerbahce after spending three seasons in Turkey since leaving Liverpool. The 34-year-old centre-half admitted that there had been talks between a host of clubs and his entourage including the Glasgow giants.
“There are offers but I’m not in a hurry to choose my new team. I have some criteria and I have to be patient. My agent made interviews with Basaksehir, Fenerbahce, Parma, Olympiacos and Glasgow Rangers. But I can’t say anything more for now.”
Skrtel told Slovakian Media (as claimed by the Daily Record).
The Record Sport published a report highlighting Rangers’ interest in the towering central defensive ace a few weeks back. However, the £3.5m signing of Helander suggests that Skrtel’s potential move to Ibrox is implausible unless the situation alters drastically in the upcoming days.
Should They Have Roped In Skrtel Over Helander/Edmundson?
Skrtel, in his mid-thirties, does not have much left to offer before hanging up his boots. Yet his experience would have helped the Gers during the decisive period of their campaign. Connor Goldson and Nikola Katic were impressive last season in the heart of the backline, but the fans would be demanding an improved show this term.
Both Helander and Edmundson are extremely talented and hold all the attributes required to script a success story at Ibrox. But the duo, too, lacks the experience of the highest order that the Slovakian would have injected having represented his nation 103 times along with 320 appearances for Liverpool during his almost a decade-long service.
Why Rangers Are Still Better-placed Defensively Over Last Summer
The Light Blues were highly reliant on Joe Worrall last season when Katic was struggling through form and fitness. But the youngster has now returned to his parent club Nottingham Forest whereas 39-year-old Gareth McAuley, having failed to impress as a fourth-choice centre-back, has also departed upon the expiration of his short-term contract.
Gerrard, nevertheless, has more flexibility now while choosing his central defensive pair. All his options are pretty exciting and should serve the club in the long run.
