Rangers are not only closing in on their first league title in 10 years but also actively pursuing transfer targets to bolster the squad in the long run. Steven Gerrard’s charisma helped the Gers attract an array of high-profile names and according to the Mirror, the Bears are competing Arsenal as well as bitter rivals Celtic for the signing of Wigan youngster Kyle Joseph.
The 19-year-old Scottish youth international is enjoying a breakthrough campaign in League One with 5 goals in 14 league appearances including a hat-trick against Burton Albion. But his contract would expire this summer and the Latics are destined to lose him for free as he opted not to extend his stay beyond the ongoing term.
Why Rangers Would Be An Ideal Destination For Joseph
This has alerted a host of outfits and the Gers, a resurgent European force in the past couple of years, remain an exciting destination with an immediate first-team future. The profile of Arsenal would always be bigger, but the teenager would have to compete with the likes of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli to stake a claim in Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Celtic, on the other hand, are well-equipped upfront with hitman Odsonne Edouard leading the line alongside Leigh Griffiths, Patryk Klimala and Albian Ajeti as the other ‘number 9’ options. Edouard, however, might part ways in a few months time amid strong interest from Europe and the Bhoys, thus, would have to find an able alternative to emulate the success of ‘French Eddie’ at Parkhead. Joseph, with all his promises and expertise, holds all the traits to succeed the Frenchman, but the conundrum at Parkhead makes a move to Ibrox more fascinating and sensible at this point in time.
Rangers, too, have a plethora of striking options. Alfredo Morelos, Cedric Itten, Kemar Roofe and Jermain Defoe have been rotated expertly by Gerrard so far this season. But a void might get created from the next campaign onwards due to the growing popularity of Morelos in Europe’s top leagues. Defoe, 38, might hang his boots upon winning the coveted crown and the injury record of Roofe is alarming considering the fixture congestion. A reshuffle might take place in the upcoming window and the arrival of Joseph would be win-win for both parties involved.
Following his progression through Wigan’s youth ranks, Joseph impressed at the senior level with his poaching instinct, pace and power. He has shown aerial as well as physical supremacy at such a tender age and the tutelage of the iconic Liverpudlian should see him flourish further if a move takes place.
