Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos’ good form surely gives an issue to the opposition defenders and their team management but his impressive goal tally must be a headache for Gerrard as well. After all, he is being chased by Premier League clubs likes Crystal Palace and Aston Villa who require goalscorers in their team.
The Colombian has 22 goals in all competitions already this season, and he has often maintained that playing in the Premier League is his dream. Former Aberdeen striker and pundit Noel Whelan believes that Gerrard must be a worried man right now.
Whelan on Morelos’ transfer situation
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said, ”The more goals Morelos keeps scoring, the bigger problem Rangers have got, you look at Premier League teams who need a goalscorer, they’re going to be looking at Morelos. I’m sure there will be offers for him in January. He’s scoring bundles of goals, playing brilliantly, he’s young and has room for improvement.”
“Steven Gerrard’s said Morelos wouldn’t go, but can the board continue to hold on if big offers come in? Privately, Gerrard has to be worried now, and that will be the same until the January window shuts. I’m not sure what the Rangers board will do, but money often talks in these situations.”
Whelan is spot on with his assessment that it will be tough for Rangers to ignore if a concrete offer in the region of £20-25m comes in for the striker in January. The manager and new Sporting Director have vehemently denied that Morelos will not be leaving in January, but money can make anyone’s head turn. With Rangers accumulating a loss of just over £11m in the last financial year, there could be a reason to balance the books by selling Morelos.
What should Gerrard do?
The club should be keeping an eye on a replacement or two for the January transfer window. Morelos’ agent also doesn’t give the best of vibes at the moment as he urged other clubs to come in for the striker before his price skyrockets further. There is no doubt that January will be a bit nervy for Rangers and the club should be prepared for all kind of scenarios.
However, finding top players as replacement is never easy in January as not many clubs allow their crucial players to leave midway through the season. Moreover, there is no guarantee that a new player will hit the ground running straight away. Hence, Gerrard should look to make Morelos understand what’s at stake this season as Rangers are fighting tooth and nail to stop Celtic’s juggernaut. If the Bears are successful in achieving that, then Morelos can leave the club in the summer as a legend at Rangers.
