If the report from Swedish outlet Sportbladet is believed to be true, Rangers might face a test to keep hold of their central defensive ace Filip Helander. The Sweden international is drawing interest from an array of European hotshots including Leicester City and Aston Villa over a potential summer transfer.
The 27-year-old joined the Gers from Bologna back in 2019 but found his minutes limited last season due to injury woes and adaptability. Nikola Katić was the preferred option alongside Connor Goldson in the heart of the backline, however, the Croatian’s ACL rupture handed the centre-half an opportunity to salvage his career at Ibrox.
Although he has been rotated this term with Leon Balogun, 27 appearances so far across competitions depict how he has settled in finally in new surroundings. Rangers have conceded only 10 league goals and his composure in deep defence earned a lot of accolades, particularly in close contests where they had to defend a narrow margin to grab victory. Helander’s upsurge has not gone unnoticed and the champions of Scotland might now face an uphill battle to fend off his suitors from Premier League.
Why Rangers Must Retain The Services Of Helander Despite Ample Defensive Options
The Bears have ample options across the pitch. They opted to loan out George Edmundson as the youngster slipped down the pecking order to become the fourth-choice behind Goldson, Helander and Balogun. The latter is expected to extend his stay beyond this campaign, also the return of Katic would jeopardize Edmundson’s Rangers future. Having said that, the situation might take a tricky turn if the Swedish star eventually plies his trades elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Sportbladet has further claimed that Elfsborg’s Joseph Okumu is on the Gers’ radar as a potential replacement for their big ‘number 5’. Known for his physical as well as aerial dominance inside the box, the 23-year-old Kenyan international has been scouted extensively by a ‘long line of clubs’.
Rangers, nevertheless, must not let Helander leave as he has been immense with his positioning, game-reading traits, timely tackles and no-nonsense clearances. He remains a threat while attacking set-pieces and his overall impact has indeed brought the stability back after years of frailty in the defensive third. Little-known Okumu would be a gamble with Champions League football knocking on the door and the Light Blues, therefore, should focus on retaining their key individuals beyond the summer window.
