Rangers resurgence under Steven Gerrard has been herculean as the Gers have made it through to the group stage of the Europa League for the second successive season. The Liverpool great has roped in ten new names this summer and scripted a blistering start to uplift spirit ahead of tomorrow’s Old Firm derby against famous rivals Celtic.
But Jake Hastie, one of their summer recruits, is now set to be offloaded on loan prior to Monday’s deadline amid interest from Rotherham United according to a report from the Glasgow Evening Times. The League One outfit were relegated last season but are pushing for an immediate return to the English second tier. They have identified the Scotsman as one of their prime transfer targets to bolster their squad.
Are Rangers Well-covered Down The Wide?
The Bears have allowed Glenn Middleton to join Hibernian on loan and the gaffer has categorically given up on Ryan Kent who was standout during the previous campaign. Daniel Candeias joined Gençlerbirliği on a permanent deal, and therefore, the decision over Hastie’s future soon after his arrival must have bewildered the Rangers faithful.
However, the club were quick to tie down Jordan Jones from Kilmarnock, Manchester City starlet Brandon Barker along with Sheyi Ojo on loan from Liverpool. Versatile Greg Stewart could also be deployed down the wide areas whereas Scott Arfield is being utilised on the flank following the arrival of Joe Aribo and Andy King in the middle of the park.
Hastie’s gametime has been limited to one Europa League qualifying fixture and a League Cup outing so far for his new employers. The Light Blues, on paper, are well equipped in the wide attacking slots to leave an impression at home as well as abroad.
Why The Decision Is Well Reasoned From All Perspectives
While the Millers would love to have Hastie as part of their promotion battle, the project in South Yorkshire is thoroughly demanding. This should help the ex-Motherwell prodigy improve his game with more minutes in one of the most aggressive and competitive football leagues across Europe.
Rangers have already loaned out Ross McCrorie to Portsmouth and Jordan Rossiter to Fleetwood Town and the 20-year-old Scotland youth international must grab this opportunity to shine and secure a long-term future at Ibrox. Gerrard would keep close tabs on his progress in England and Hastie, too, must replicate his last season’s form to cement a place in Paul Warne’s first-team set-up.
