According to a recent report by the Daily Express, Steven Gerrard has conceded that Alfredo Morelos could potentially not be a Rangers player when the team returns from the upcoming international break. The initial interest was courtesy of Ligue 1 side Lille, whose bid for the player in the region of £16m was rejected by the Ibrox club. A report by the Scottish Sun has now arisen though, which claims that Portuguese heavyweights Porto are targeting the Colombian as a potential replacement for their striker Moussa Marega.
With the report claiming that Porto are interested in signing Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, Gerrard’s comments have raised further questions about his place in the Ibrox club’s roster. Asked whether Morelos would still be here after the international break, Gerrard told the Express, “I don’t know, that’s a very difficult question for me to answer. I’m taking each day as it comes in terms of Alfredo. He’s trained really well this week but I really can’t control what other teams will do. All I can do is manage the situation on a daily basis. At the moment, where we stand right now, I expect to see him after the international break.”
How Has Morelos Started This Season?
The 24-year-old has featured in four Premiership matches so far this season, but he was dropped from the first-team by Gerrard during the last two league fixtures. His last appearance in the blue kit came in a goalless draw against Livingston several weeks ago, with Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten being preferred to the Colombian on the back of his being dropped. The attacker started the Gers’ latest league win against Hamilton on the bench but remained an unused substitute for the rest of the match.
Although that might come as worrying news to his followers, the biggest concern arose when he was completely left out of the matchday squad for the fixture against Kilmarnock. As good as the forward has been for the Ibrox club over recent seasons, it must be conceded that he has started the current campaign looking like a shadow of his usual self. The passion and drive that made Morelos such a revered figure at the Ibrox have seemingly vanished, and his work-rate on the pitch has been questionable on instances as well.
What Is Rangers’ Strike Situation?
If this debacle surrounding the Colombian’s potential departure came up last season, it would’ve likely given the manager and the fans a lot of heartaches. Jermain Defoe was the only other realistic option, while January loanee Florian Kamberi never really looked up to the task. This time around though, things are looking a lot more positive for this historic Scottish club. The signings of Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe came as the perfect indicators of this Rangers team’s ambition, while the fact that Defoe is due to return from injury soon will come as a positive sign as well.
Porto Are Interested In Signing Rangers Striker Alfredo Morelos: Should Gerrard Sell Him?
The Ibrox club’s attack-line hasn’t been the most prolific so far this season, but they’ve more than made up for it with some sensational defensive performances. Yet to concede a league goal after six Premiership outings, the back-line, led by Connor Goldson, deserve massive plaudits for what they’ve already achieved.
Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten have both made the move to Scotland from other European leagues, and settling into the sheer physicality of the Scottish top-flight is sure to take some time. As far as depth goes, Gerrard is well-stocked in the role, and unless Morelos’ attitude changes drastically in the coming weeks, it could be in the club’s best interest to cash in at the right price.
