In a recent interview with Football Insider, former England international Danny Mills has issued a warning for Rangers defender Connor Goldson amid the ongoing contract conundrum. The 28-year-old centre-back has entered the final year of his Ibrox deal and is yet to pen an extension beyond next summer.
“You have to be careful. Look at the likes of Jack Wilshere, unattached with no contract. Serge Aurier, unattached with no contract. Once it was brilliant to be on a free transfer. If you’re going to be greedy and ask for too much money you might have a little bit of an issue.”
Told Mills highlighting the financial constraints due to the ongoing covid crisis.
Rangers’ resolute defence brought them the coveted Premiership crown after a decade of despair. They conceded only 13 league goals in their ‘invincibles’ campaign and the ever-present Goldson stood like a rock at the back. He made 56 appearances last season across competitions and showed incredible adaptability while being lined up alongside various central defensive partners.
Why Goldson Should Extend His Rangers Stay
However, the Englishman has not hit the peak yet so far this term. He looked vulnerable on quite a few occasions and his lapses shattered the Bears’ Champions League dreams following a defeat over Malmo in the third qualifying round. The lack of speed remains a problem, also the error in judgement and positioning often invited trouble against the run of play. Filip Helander has been more stable in these early weeks and despite a composed display in the Old Firm derby, Goldson is nowhere close to his earlier self except for posing a serious aerial threat from set-pieces.
The former Shrewsbury Town star was roped in by Brighton & Hove Albion six years back. He, however, had to undergo preventive heart surgery in February 2017 and the hunger for first-team football drove him to be a part of Steven Gerrard’s revolution back in the summer of 2018. Although he is still irreplaceable in the defensive third, the contract issue must get resolved soon for all parties involved.
Mills is not wrong with his assessment given the uncertainty of the Scottish market. While the centre-half might seek a significant wage rise as a reward for his contribution in Rangers colours, the club are not in the best shape financially having failed to generate enough cash from players’ sale. He will be in his thirties next year and a high-profile move might not work out even if he decides to part ways on a Bosman.
