Rangers have conducted most of their incoming transfers, and we still have more than a month to go in the transfer market. It seems clear that the club had identified their targets well in advance. They have managed to get the job done more often than not with as many as eight new signings coming in this summer.
However, there could be some change in plans now in terms of incoming transfers as Daniel Candeias has left Rangers to join Genclerbirligi in Turkey on a two-year contract. The English manager had admitted recently that he ‘reluctantly but respectfully’ accepted Candeias’ plea to leave the Glaswegian giants.
Now Gerrard has gone on to indicate that he might even look to replace Candeias in this window itself. The manager said (The Scottish Sun), ”I think he has gone over to (Turkey) have the discussions and do whatever else you do when you move clubs. If he goes, then it’s possible we could bring in someone else.”
Do Rangers have enough cover now that Candeias has left the club?
At present, Rangers are brimming with options in the wide region. The club signed the likes of Jordan Jones, Sheyi Ojo and Jake Hastie in this transfer window. Apart from that, they are also looking to bring in Ryan Kent. Gerrard has said that he will be willing to wait until the last second of the transfer window to sign him.
The club also has Glenn Middleton, Jamie Murphy and Eros Grezda at their disposal. So there are still plenty of options for Gerrard to consider on both the flanks.
Should Rangers look to replace Candeias?
Until and unless they can get their hands on a standout option, we don’t see the need or urgency for the club to go after a winger. Maybe if the club can ship away Eros Grezda permanently and Glenn Middleton on loan, then one might feel the need for the Gers to go after a winger. However, until those departures are confirmed, the club shouldn’t look to sign a new player.
Gerrard went on to indicate earlier that the squad is really bloated at the moment and the rest of the transfer window is likely going to be about shipping away some dead woods. The manager wished to keep hold of Candeias, but the winger wanted guaranteed game time. The Portuguese was a crucial player for Rangers last season, but Gerrard is well covered. As a result, losing out on him shouldn’t be a big blow even if the club doesn’t go for his replacement.
