In an interview to Football Insider, ex Premiership striker Noel Whelan has tipped Peterborough striker – Ivan Toney’s asking price to be ‘too steep’ for the Ibrox club to afford this summer. The former Leeds United man was quick to point out that although the demand may be too high from a Rangers perspective, it’s understandable that the League 1 side are looking for a considerable fee, especially because Toney is a proven goalscorer. Whelan also went on to suggest that Toney has the quality required to make the step up and succeed in the Premiership if this deal does take shape.
Although Whelan has tipped Rangers to be unable to afford Ivan Toney, Gerrard’s need for a new striking option could trigger the improbable. Speaking on the matter, the former Aberdeen man said, “It might be too much for Rangers but I do not think it would be a risk because he could easily make the step up to the Scottish Premiership. It might be too steep for them with him being a League One player but when you look at the going rate for goalscorers it is not terrible. You are not breaking the bank. They can structure the payments over three to four years. He is a goalscorer and you have got to pay money for a goalscorer.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Predicament In Attack?
The Ibrox club haven’t had the most successful of spells in the Premiership over the last couple of years, but under the guidance of Steven Gerrard, it’s evident that things are on the up at Rangers. Their desire to acquire a new striker ahead of next season has been no secret, and the end of Florian Kamberi’s loan tenure has further amplified that need.
The recent permanent acquisition of Ianis Hagi is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Still, without the necessary options to lead the line, all of the other efforts could go to waste.
Alfredo Morelos has been the club’s most potent source of goals over the last couple of seasons, as his predatory nature in and around the penalty box have earned Gerrard’s side a flurry of points. Thankfully for them, that burden has been shared to a certain degree by English veteran Jermain Defoe as well. When put together, the pair of them have done enough in front of goal to warrant a second-place finish, but to beat Celtic to the league title, the Gers will have to present something out of the ordinary.
What Makes Ivan Toney A Good Option For Rangers?
The former Newcastle United product has been quite brilliant leading the line for Peterborough this season, and his influence in the League One side’s attacking intensity display cannot be underplayed. Not only does he offer the required physical presence up front, but he’s also well aware of exactly where the goal is.
A deadly finisher in the final third, the Englishman offers amazing heading abilities from set-piece situations too. A willing runner off the ball, Toney’s contributions to the English club have been key to their success this season. The 24-year-old finished the campaign with a record of 24 goals and six assists from 32 League One outings.
Whelan Has Tipped Rangers To Be Unable To Afford Ivan Toney: Why Gerrard Must Get Him
The £8m asking price that Peterborough have seemingly set might not look exorbitant on paper, but the fact that Rangers don’t have the greatest financial backing is sure to have played its part. Moreover, the general understanding that a League One player shouldn’t cost that much money is also hindering their willingness to do business.
With that said though, it’s worth considering that Toney has been unbelievable in front of goal for the last two seasons running, and a proven goalscorer like that, despite the price, is exactly what this Rangers team should be looking to bring in.
