According to a recent report by Turkish news source Fotomac, Premiership giants Celtic and Rangers are both keen on Florin Andone – the Romanian international striker who’s currently plying his trade for Galatasaray in Turkey, while on loan from Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion. The report suggests that the Seagulls’ loanee is in the radar of both the Old Firm clubs and that this interest is given the fact that Galatasaray have no intention of keeping the forward next season.
It has been suggested that it was the Turkish club’s decision to send the striker back to Brighton that has seemingly created a transfer tug-of-war between Celtic and Rangers. A further report from Romanian source Sport.ro, as has been quoted by Fotomac, suggests that Ianis Hagi and Florin Andone could both be given a boost by playing in the same side, given that they’re national team compatriots for Romania.
What Has Florin Andone Achieved Over The Last Few Years?
The former Villarreal man arrived at Brighton and Hove Albion back in the summer of 2018, as Chris Hughton looked to strengthen his team’s chances of staying up in the Premier League for another year. Although the Romanian was given ample first-team opportunities along the way, it must be conceded that Andone didn’t really grab onto a single one of them. His first season at the Amex Stadium brought just three goals from 23 league outings, and things haven’t looked better at any point since then.
It wasn’t until September this season that the former Cordoba man was shipped out to Turkish outfit Galatasaray, where his time has been riddled with unfortunate injuries. Having played just eight times for the Turkish giants all season, the Brighton loanee managed only two goals, and it’s safe to say that his general display leading the line has been profoundly underwhelming too. The last time Andone scored more than 20 goals in a season was in La Liga 2 back in 2016, and he’s never really looked like that same player again.
What Attributes Would Florin Andone Add To This Rangers Team?
The Brighton and Hove Albion striker’s life in Britain has been nothing short of a disaster, but a switch to the Scottish Premiership could be precisely what he needs to reinvigorate a dying career. Now 27, it’s worth realising that the Romanian doesn’t have too many years at the highest level, meaning that it’s unlikely he’ll be given too many opportunities at his parent club next season. Rangers, on the other hand, could do with a couple of strikers just to add depth to their squad.
Celtic And Rangers Are Both Keen On Florin Andone: Why Gerrard Must Beat Celtic To This Transfer
Steven Gerrard’s primary concern going into the transfer window will surely be the striker’s role. Although all the question marks surrounding Alfredo Morelos’ future will be a cause for concern, the issue that needs an immediate resolution would have to be that of Jermaine Defoe.
The Englishman is 37 now and doesn’t have too much left in the tank. Andone, ten years younger, would be a good option for Gerrard not just to fill in the gaps, but to potentially provide a challenge for the starting role in due course.
