According to a recent report by the Daily Express, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has issued a statement saying that Alfredo Morelos isn’t anywhere near a departure from the Ibrox stadium at this point. The report suggests that although the attacker has been consistently linked with a move to ambitious Ligue 1 outfit Lille over the last couple of weeks, Gerrard continues to insist that the situation regarding his potential move away is under control and in his own hands. The French side recently sold Víctor Osimhen to Napoli for a hefty price-tag, which means that they do have a large sum of money to spend in the summer.
Although Gerrard says Alfredo Morelos isn’t close to Lille switch just yet, he does go on to admit that their man could be cashed in on if the right fee arrives. Speaking on the matter, the former Liverpool legend said, “This will work itself out if there is an offer that’s big enough that the board want to accept. We’ll make that decision when it comes. At the moment, we’re nowhere near that, so Alfredo is still a Rangers player. It is in my hands and it is in my control. But if a valuation is met and we decide collectively that it’s the right thing for the football club then we’ll always be prepared in any area.”
What Is Alfredo Morelos’ Legacy At The Ibrox Stadium?
The Colombian international striker was brought in from Finnish club HJK Helsinki for a relatively nominal fee in the summer of 2017. Although Morelos was largely an unknown quantity when he was first acquired, it’s safe to say that he had quite the impact after he took the time required to get used to the surroundings as well as the Scottish style of play. Despite not being the biggest player in the team, the forward began to deliver the goods at a fairly consistent basis, and this is what urged the Gers to promote the talented striker to the first-choice position.
Putting the ball into the net has never been a problem for the Colombian, but it’s maintaining a certain level of consistency in terms of performance levels that’s been a concern. Despite this, the forward has managed to pick up a decent goalscoring tally since joining the Gers three seasons ago.
The attacker has scored 77 times in 138 appearances for the Glasgow club, with 12 goals and three assists coming in the Premiership season just past as well. The former Helsinki man went on to start the opening game of the 20/21 league season too, where he picked up the assist for Ryan Kent’s winner.
What Makes Alfredo Morelos An Attractive Prospect For Any Suitors?
The striker has created quite the reputation for himself at the Ibrox over the last couple of seasons, in that he isn’t afraid to put his body on the line for the sake of the team. Despite not being the biggest forward in the world, the diminutive Colombian uses his physicality in the best possible manner, while he’s also not afraid to drop deep to make things happen in attack. A deadly finisher in the final third, Morelos’ only drawback as a footballer is his abnormally volatile temperament, which is highlighted in the four red cards he’s picked up over the last three years.
Gerrard Says Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos Isn’t Close To Lille Switch: Why They Mustn’t Sell Him
The Gers are heading into the campaign in the ascendancy over their Old Firm rivals Celtic, on the back of a spirited and highly convincing pre-season tour to France last month. With the Hoops looking for another league title, the spirits around Parkhead are sure to be on the up.
Rangers are perhaps better equipped this time than they have been for the past three seasons, and losing their main striker at a critical time like this would be the beginning of the end of Gers’ title-hopes (especially if the recruitment team is not spot on with the replacement). Keeping Morelos in the side for the remainder of the current Premiership season is essential for Rangers, especially considering the above-average performance he put in on the opening day at Pittodrie.
