According to a recent report by the Daily Express, football expert Duncan Castles, speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, has claimed that Scottish outfit Rangers could miss out on Liverpool’s Pedro Chirivella this summer, with the midfielder said to have agreed on a three-year deal to join Ligue 1 outfit Nantes.
The report suggests that the youngster’s current contract at Anfield is set to expire in the summer and that Steven Gerrard and Rangers have been hot on his tail regarding a potential summer move. Duncan Castles then went on to clarify that Nantes are certainly not the only club interested in the midfielder’s signature.
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, he said, “There is significant interest in him, particularly at Rangers who of course are managed by Steven Gerrard, who knows Chirivella from his time coaching the younger players at the club. They would like to sign him, I’m told, but I think this is a mark of where Rangers are at the moment. Even though this would be a free transfer because he would be moving across national borders, even though the wages I think are going to be a maximum of £15,000 per week, probably less, Rangers haven’t been able to complete that deal.”
What Would Pedro Chirivella Add To This Rangers Team?
The Spanish midfielder arrived at Anfield as a teenager back in 2013 and has since been a member of all the different levels of the Reds’ youth system. Having spent a significant amount of time training with Gerrard, the 22-year-old will be no stranger to the Englishman’s footballing style. The Spaniard is a central midfielder by position, but despite playing in the core of the team, he’s often seen exuding flair like a winger. Capable of dribbling past any man while also having the composure to make the next move, Chirivella offers a good presence in the middle of the park.
Despite being diminutive in stature, the 22-year-old displays good upper body strength and also has the uncanny ability to pick out sensational long-balls across the length and breadth of the pitch. The Spaniard offers amazing vision from his position in the middle of the park too, as he is adept at playing defence-splitting grounded through passes. The midfielder also has the skill and finesse required to get past most challenges, with his only major weakness coming in the form of a lack of consistency.
What Makes Chirivella Am Attractive Option For Gerrard?
The number of question marks surrounding the Rangers midfield this season has been frustrating, and the possible departure of Ianis Hagi at the end of his loan deal could spell trouble for Gerrard. Chirivella though could’ve been a readymade replacement for Hagi, as the Spaniard even has the experience of having spent more than six years at a mammoth club like Liverpool. There has been a general lack of creativity from the Gers’ midfield this season, and the addition of Chirivella could end up nudging them in the right direction.
Rangers Could Miss Out On Liverpool’s Pedro Chirivella: Why Gerrard Must Try And Get This Done
For all the excellent work that the Gers have done over the last couple of years, it must be clarified that this campaign was underwhelming by their usual massive standards, especially after the winter break. The front-line obviously needs some fine-tuning, while there seems to be a frustrating disconnect between the midfielders and wingers.
Although it is true that Gerrard already has the likes of Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo to choose from in the core of the team, adding an attack-minded midfielder like Chirivella into the mix could end up being a step in the right direction from the Ibrox club.
