According to a recent report by the Glasgow Evening Times, former Ibrox forward Jonatan Johansson has claimed that Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos would’ be happy’ to stay on at Rangers next season, in case no bids arrive for his services this summer. The Finnish attacker then went on to claim that Morelos loves to play for the Glasgow club and that he wasn’t entirely to blame for their unexpected mid-season collapse. With Old Firm rivals Celtic gunning for their tenth straight league title, keeping Alfredo Morelos must be prioritised by Rangers.
Speaking to Glasgow Times, Johansson said, “I think Alfredo is ambitious and any player has a price. Rangers will have a value for Alfredo and if that’s met I’m sure Rangers would be happy to wish him well. But the one thing I do know is that he loves to play for Rangers, he loves the fans and playing at Ibrox really excites him. So, if that bid doesn’t come then I think he would be happy to continue playing for Rangers in the coming season.”
How Well Has Morelos Done For Rangers This Season?
The 23-year-old scored 12 goals for Steven Gerrard’s side in the Premiership this season, and although that is one less than his teammate Defoe, the signs have been excellent for the attacker. Although Morelos’ combative nature did yield in two red cards and three yellows over 26 matches, he more than makes up for it with his ability and overall quality while out on the pitch. The striker further scored 14 goals in the Gers’ extended run in this season’s Europa League as well.
What Does Morelos Add To This Rangers Side?
The Colombian striker has undoubtedly been the biggest live-wire in the Rangers attack, often seen hustling opposition defenders off the ball in dangerous situations. When compared to his club teammate Jermaine Defoe, Morelos tends to offer a much more explosive presence in the final third of the pitch, with an added element of uncertainty which can often work out in his team’s favour. In fact, it could be argued that the striker produces some of his best work when slightly riled up during matches.
The former Helsinki man has the uncanny ability to time his runs into space to perfection, as can be seen from the trend in the kind of goals he scores. As intelligent as he is predatory, the diminutive attacker isn’t afraid to put his body on the line and go into any challenge.
While the Colombian forward already looks like a top striker, it’s worth considering that he’s kept up the excellent work that he started in the previous term (unfortunately also the disciplinary issues but that is an article for another day).
Keeping Alfredo Morelos Must Be Prioritised By Rangers: What Can Gerrard Do?
Celtic and Rangers have what is widely accepted to be amongst the fiercest of rivalries in the history of the sport, and the Hoops denying Rangers their 10th straight league title all those years ago was a moment of real history. The Gers now have the opportunity to give Neil Lennon’s Celtic team a taste of their own medicine by denying their Glasgow rivals their record-breaking 10th title in a row.
This chance alone should be enough to convince any player to stay on at Ibrox for at least another season. Still, all of this is considering that no substantial offer arrives for the talented Colombian during the summer window.
