Amid all the jubilation of league triumph after a decade, Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must make a few calls prior to the 2021-22 season. Further reinforcements should be aimed to honour the prestigious Champions League football, also a decision needs to be taken over the future of Rangers veteran Jermain Defoe who is out of contract next month.
The experienced Englishman fired in the Gers’ final goal of a remarkable campaign to celebrate his first-ever league triumph at the age of 38. Despite being deployed sporadically, the former Three Lions international did his bit with 7 goals and 2 assists in 20 outings across competitions. Defoe is happy with his Ibrox role and has already expressed his desire to extend the stay beyond this term.
“I want to stay here forever. I love it here. Everyone knows it’s special. When I spoke to the manager when I was coming here, the first thing he said is ‘you will love it here. I’ve loved every minute, it’s been fantastic. I’m lost for words, it’s amazing.”
He told Sky Sports (as quoted by the Daily Record) after playing his part in reclaiming the Scottish throne.
Rangers veteran Jermain Defoe had his spells with an array of prestigious Premier League outfits (West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth) over two decades along with a brief MLS stint with Toronto FC. His numbers have been impressive all throughout including 32 goals in 72 appearances since joining the Glasgow giants.
Why Rangers Should Still Retain His Services Despite Being Well-equipped High Up The Pitch
Meanwhile, the experienced ‘number 9’ has mostly been utilized as a ‘super sub’ in recent years and the arrival of Fashion Sakala (already agreed on pre-contract terms with Rangers) would send him further down the pecking order. Alfredo Morelos remains the first-choice until a suitable bid is received for the Colombian, also the scoring traits of Kemar Roofe exhibit his expertise in spearheading the attack. Cedric Itten is a decent backup option and a player of Sakala’s reputation should deliver, particularly after his exquisite run of form in Belgium.
Former England international and current pundit Danny Mills is sceptic over Defoe’s Ibrox future as he said to Football Insider.
“I would say that Rangers are doing their business the right way round. They’re getting a player in first and then they can say ‘Once we’ve done that, somebody else can leave.’ It might be Defoe but I guess it’ll all depend on finances on who’s got what and who’s doing what”.
Nevertheless, it’s time to celebrate and build on the majestic success for years to come. Gerrard should consider the profile of the veretan striking ace and hand him a short-term extension upon the expiration of his contract in two weeks time.
