According to the reports from the Scotsman, Rangers have been loosely linked with their former player Josh Windass. The report is based on the claims made by Football Stewart, who is seen as a respected analyst of the Scottish game, on a podcast. However, he added that it would be unlikely to happen.
How the Windass link emerged
Stewart was quoted as saying, ”I think one will come in (whether Rangers might sign someone in this window). The only thing I’ve heard is that Rangers retain a minor interest in bringing Josh Windass back on loan, but file [that] under ‘unlikely’.”
Windass’ departure from Ibrox after the 2017-18 campaign saw mixed reactions from the fans. The attacking midfielder had managed 18 goals and eight assists in all competitions that season, and he played in 41 games. The 26-year-old was a versatile option as he could play in various positions and he had emerged as a crucial player for the Bears. However, the attacking midfielder was sold to Wigan Atheltic even after his decent showings.
Why a move is unlikely to happen
Nevertheless, Rangers have come in a long way since Steven Gerrard took over and Windass hasn’t really been missed as the Bears have recruited heavily in the past few transfer windows. The Gers lacked an outright attacking midfielder, but Scott Arfield filled in that role primarily. Now they can rely on Joe Aribo and Greg Stewart as well to don the playmaker’s role. Hence, we believe that Rangers would be very unlikely to move in for Windass in the last few days of the transfer window.
Windass was a decent player on his day, but he could go missing in quite a few encounters. The former Accrington ace also lacked the work rate and commitment on occasions. Rangers have decent quality in midfield and on the flanks, so Windass is unlikely to fit in now even with all his versatility. The Wigan man can be a decent squad player, but Rangers do not require squad players anymore.
Gerrard was clearly not keen to keep him when he joined the club. Hence it is more unlikely that the gaffer would return for him. Windass has four goals in 15 Championship appearances this season. He hasn’t been a regular for the Latics as he has started in 12 games this campaign.
Greg Stewart, Arfield and Aribo are more than handy options who can play in the attacking midfielder’s role, and a move for Windass doesn’t make any sense at this stage of the season.
