Alfredo Morelos has been suspended since the winter break got over, but Rangers have managed to get their job done in the new year so far. Jermain Defoe scored the only goal of the game against St. Mirren which gave Rangers the crucial three points. Defoe has now scored 12 goals in the league, the same tally as Morelos but two behind Odsonne Edouard. Defoe has the best goals to minute ratio in the Premiership, and he is still scoring at critical junctures at the age of 37.
Gerrard gives an update regarding Defoe
The veteran Englishman’s loan deal is set to expire in the summer. Defoe will become a free agent as his contract with Bournemouth will run down in the next few months. Gerrard has previously indicated that Defoe is going to be part of his plans in the future, and once again the manager reiterated the same. The English gaffer also said that Defoe’s future could be sorted in the upcoming few days.
Gerrard said (The Scotsman), ”There should hopefully be some news on Defoe in the next day or two. He is massive on and off the pitch, the goal against St Mirren wasn’t lucky he knows where to be inside the box. Jermain is perfect to work with Alfredo.”
Defoe’s impact so far
It seems like Rangers are going to give Defoe a permanent deal in the summer and it isn’t surprising. Gerrard has been lucky that he has had two fit and firing striker at his disposal and he has been able to rotate them smartly.
The gaffer has also highlighted Defoe’s impact off the field. Reports last year had emerged that Rangers could offer Defoe a coach plus player deal as the Englishman voluntarily helps the young strikers at the club. The 37-year-old is fit as a fiddle, and his knack of being in the right place at the right time is still paying off. Morelos has also worked on his temperamental issues this season and Defoe must have had a role to play in that as well.
We believe that Rangers should look to offer Defoe a one year deal and see how the Englishman continues from there onwards. Defoe could easily go to the MLS or China at this stage of his career to make some easy money, but he is still willing to grind it out in the Premiership where the games can get feisty and physical. His hunger to play and work for his team is still there, and hopefully, Rangers would get this deal over the line without much fuss in the end.
