Rangers had recently joined the race with Celtic for the signature of Stoke City’s striker Tyrese Campbell. The forward is also an England u-20 international. Campbell’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2020, and he is reportedly available on a cut-price deal.
Rangers can reportedly (Daily Record) sign him for £400,000 on a pre-contract deal. English clubs like Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Wolves are also said to be interested, but they would have to pay a more significant sum to get his signature. Campbell was signed by Stoke City in 2016 from Manchester City for £1.75m. If the striker moves to either Celtic or Rangers, then the Potters could end up making a loss on him. Rangers are set to make a pitch for him, and they have informed Stoke City that they intend to have a pre-contract talk with Campbell.
Stoke City’s new manager Michael O’Neill recently talked with the striker. The Potters have a new contract on the table for Campbell, but he is yet to commit to it. The striker is unhappy with his playing time this season as the 20-year-old has started just five games in the Championship.
However, things are changing a bit as Campbell has grabbed three goals in as many appearances recently. Hence, Michael O’Neill might be tempted to give him a regular start from now after he has had a positive impact in recent weeks.
Do Rangers need a striker?
Gerrard has been lucky this season that he has had two fit and firing strikers in Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe. The manager has been able to rotate them when required, and both of them have delivered for their side so far. A new striker coming in is unlikely to get a look into the first team for now.
However, Rangers cannot ignore that Defoe isn’t going to be around for long. The veteran Englishman’s loan deal is expiring in the summer, but he is set to be handed a new contract by the Gers. Alfredo Morelos continues to draw interest from some of the top leagues of the world. There is a sense of inevitability that the Colombian would move on to bigger and better things in the future. Hence, it makes sense for Rangers to keep an eye on a new striker.
Should Gerrard go for Campbell?
Campbell is an upcoming striker, and he is yet to prove himself. His goal scoring record so far isn’t much to talk about, but he seems to have potential and raw ingredients necessary to be successful. The Englishman uses his strength well, and he has the pace to trouble and beat defenders. For a compensation fee of £400,000, we believe that Gerrard should look to get this deal done.
