According to a recent report from Marca, Rangers are interested in Atletico Madrid’s young talent Rodrigo Riquelme. The 19-year-old has come up from the Atletico Madrid’s academy, and he made his debut for the senior side this season. The winger has made just one appearance in the La Liga so far.
Along with Rangers, Celtic are also said to be interested in the winger. Riquelme is in the final few months of his contract with the club, and his deal would expire in the summer. Hence, Rangers and other clubs can sign him on a free transfer if Atletico Madrid fails to get him on a new contract. It is believed that Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim are also interested along with clubs from the Netherlands and the Premier League.
It seems like Rangers will have to rebuild again for the next season after likely coming up short in stopping Celtic’s domination this season. There was a lot of promise and hope until the start of the year, but Rangers have failed to turn up at crucial junctures of the season.
Why doesn’t Gerrard need to go all out for a winger?
Riquelme is going to be a prospect for the future. Rangers are loaded with wingers in their squad, so it would be surprising to see them sign another winger in the upcoming summer. Moreover, Gerrard has often used his wingers more as attacking midfielders as they don’t generally hug the bylines, and instead, attack the central areas. Hence, a traditional winger might not be well suited for the Gers.
What can Riquelme offer at Ibrox?
The Spaniard is unwilling to sign a new contract with the Madrid giants because he is unsure of getting first-team chances. Riquelme is a versatile option as he can feature down the left, or through the middle as an attacking midfielder or as a right-winger.
Rangers should already be aware of Riquelme’s talents as the Rangers youth side came up against Atletico Madrid’s youth team in UEFA Youth League this season. The Gers lost that encounter 4-0 and Riquelme went on to assist three goals.
The 19-year-old is known for his trickery, dribbling skills and pace. The Spaniard is capable of the spectacular, but he is still relatively raw. He is undoubtedly a talent as he is knocking on the door for first-team places at a club of Atletico Madrid’s stature. However, the youngster would take some time to settle in, especially in the Premiership where the physicality of the league could trouble him. On a free transfer, he would certainly be worth considering, but quite a few top-flight clubs would want to have a piece of him in the summer. Hence, Rangers’ task will likely be cut out.
