According to a recent report by the Daily Record, Premiership giants Rangers are said to be in the race to sign Peruvian international midfielder Renato Tapia from Feyenoord this summer. The report suggests that the Gers are up against Old Firm rivals Celtic in the bout for his services, but that there are other clubs from various countries who are keen. La Liga outfit Celta Vigo and MLS side LA Galaxy are both reportedly interested in acquiring the versatile midfielder as well.
The midfielder has admitted that a move away from Holland is imminent in the upcoming transfer window. Speaking to Feyenoord TV on the matter, he said, “I grew up here and continue with a good feeling. Playing in De Kuip was always great, I will definitely miss that. Just like the guys I’ve known for a while. It will be weird not to be with them in one field and in the same dressing room anymore. What does the future hold? We will see.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Midfield Situation?
Steven Davis has been one of the preferred choices in the central midfield role for Rangers, as his experience and impressive footballing brain have had big parts to play this campaign. But, it must be conceded that the midfielder’s performances did worsen in the second part of the season, much like the rest of Gerrard’s squad.
Ryan Jack has been a regular since being switched to the role, while Glen Kamara and Scott McCrorie haven’t shown enough this season to warrant a place in the starting eleven. Scott Arfield is another name that’s been utilised, but there’s no denying that he’s a much more attack-minded player than what they’ll be after.
What Would Renato Tapia Add To This Rangers Midfield?
The Peruvian international is renowned for his ability to sit just in front of the back-line and make things happen from his position as the first midfielder in the team. The 24-year-old makes a living out of receiving the ball from the defenders and then releasing it, while he also offers a decent amount of energy in the middle of the park. Possessing a good engine, Tapia’s attributes do make him a solid option for utilisation in the Scottish Premiership.
Physically strong as well as technically gifted, Tapia could be viewed as the perfect combination of the skill-sets of McCrorie and Davis. While he offers good defensive cover like the former, the Feyenoord man also boasts a strong footballing brain. Add in the fact that he’s capable of slotting in at centre-half if required, and this move begins to make a lot of sense for Gerrard. Tapia featured 15 times in the Eredivisie this season and has now confirmed that he will be departing the Dutch outfit.
Rangers Are Interested In Renato Tapia: Why Gerrard Must Win This Race
The Gers are expected to go into next season looking to put an end to Celtic’s title streak, and while it won’t be an easy task, Gerrard and his team are sure to give it their best shot. Midfield has been one of their positions of concern in the second half of the season, and it’s not overly surprising that a defensive-minded player like Tapia is being linked with a possible move. The Peruvian certainly has options to choose from, but it would be in Steven Gerrard’s best interest to lure him to the Ibrox Stadium ahead of next season.
