According to a recent report from the Daily Record, Stoke City forward Tyrese Campbell has knocked back the approach from both Rangers and Celtic as he wants to continue his footballing career in England. The striker reportedly called personally both the Glaswegian giants and informed them about his decision. That was a kind gesture, and it is believed that he did it out of respect for both the Scottish giants.
The striker is in the final few months of his contract with Stoke City, and he is yet to decide where his future lies in England. Stoke City have offered a new contract to the forward, but he hasn’t committed himself to a new deal. It is believed that Campbell also has an offer from Premier League club Sheffield United.
Campbell was unable to break into the team for a large part of the season, but he has managed to make an impact under new boss Michael O’Neill. The striker has grabbed four goals and one assist in his last five Championship appearances. The England u-20 international scored a crucial goal against table-toppers West Brom recently, but the striker went down with a hamstring injury later.
A missed opportunity for Rangers?
Rangers reportedly pursued the player and made a real pitch which gave Campbell something to think about in the last few days. However, that wasn’t enough to get the deal over the line. The Gers have been relatively silent in terms of incoming players in the January transfer window, and Campbell emerged as the only significant transfer target this month.
With the striker now ruling himself out of contention, we don’t expect the Gers to sign anyone in this window. Campbell would have been a handy addition as he was available on a cut-price deal. Rangers could have got him for as low as £400,000, and that would have made him a shrewd signing.
Did Gerrard need someone like Campbell?
The English forward is still trying to establish himself, but he has shown impressive signs thus far. Campbell seemingly has the pace and physicality to thrive at the top level. He is still a work in progress, and his finishing skills might need some improvements. Nevertheless, he could have been a decent option for Gerrard. Jermain Defoe isn’t going to be around for long, and Alfredo Morelos could move on to bigger and better things in the future. Hence, it was understandable why Gerrard was chasing Campbell, but now it seems like he will have to find an alternative after missing out on the English forward.
