If a recent report from The Daily Mail is believed to be true, Rangers have joined a host of clubs for Millwall prodigy Abdul Abdulmalik. The youngster has been outrageous for the reserves and his exquisite scoring record has also drawn the attention of Swansea City and Arsenal.
Millwall, meanwhile, have rejected the Swans already who made the first move for Abdulmalik. The 18-year-old is contracted at the Den until the end of this month and has not responded to the Lions’ professional deal to stretch his stay beyond the ongoing term. They are still trying to convince him to put pen to paper, however, the uncertainty has alerted his suitors over a potential summer transfer.
Abdulmalik, an England U17 international, has represented Millwall in the FA Youth Cup. But he is yet to make his senior debut for the Championship side and it is to be seen now whether the teenager decides to stay put to stake a claim in Gary Rowett’s first-team plans next season.
Millwall have once again managed a mid-table finish and the growing competition in the second tier is making it more difficult for them to fulfil their promotion aspiration. It would be a massive setback if they fail to keep hold of their prized asset but, at the same time, must respect the player’s ambition of wanting to accelerate his development.
Why The Player Should Opt For Rangers
As things stand, a move north of the border can’t be ruled out just yet. Swansea boss Steve Cooper has promoted the academy stars, but the successive play-off heartbreak and key exits might jeopardize their stability going forward. Arsenal, on the other hand, are desperate to reclaim their lost status, and therefore, are unlikely to hand a run of games to Abdulmalik ahead of Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah.
Rangers have extensively scouted young prospects in the recent past, particularly the British talents who are flourishing in their respective academy ranks. The striking sensation should be lined up for the reserves first to attune to the aggression and demands of the Scottish game and a good impression in Milngavie might see him earning a sporadic status under Steven Gerrard.
Alfredo Morelos has been a transfer interest of many for quite some time, whereas Jermain Defoe’s player-coach role should limit his minutes more than before. Rangers should opt for a long-term plan and the signing of Abdul Abdulmalik for a minimal training compensation would be significant in their attempt to bolster the set-up in the long run.
