If a report from the Turkish outlet Fanatik (as claimed by the Daily Record) is believed to be true, veteran Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield is drawing interest from Super Lig outfits Alanyaspor and Hatayspor. The Canadian’s Ibrox deal is set to expire this season and a move abroad is on the cards with no offer on the table from the Scottish hotshots.
The 33-year-old began his career in Scotland with then top-tier outfit Falkirk. He was later roped in by Huddersfield Town but was released by the Terriers three years later. A successful trial earned him a Burnley move where he spent five years ahead of his Bosman transfer to Rangers. Steven Gerrard’s charisma and pulling power convinced him to return to Scotland, the nation he represented at various youth levels before switching his allegiance to Canada.
Arfield’s experience and versatility gained him a key role in Gerrard’s first-team plans, but his minutes became limited following the arrival of Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara. However, the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst has seen him finding his place back into the starting XI despite having the likes of Juninho Bacuna, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack and Steven Davis in their ranks.
Meanwhile, the Gers have roped in James Sands this window from New York City FC. The highly-rated USMNT international would add competition in the centre of the pitch and the Light Blues, therefore, have not handed Arfield an extension offer with ample options in midfield.
Why Rangers Should Think Twice About Arfield’s Future
Having said that, Rangers might undergo crisis in the middle of the park amid growing interest in Aribo and Kamara from an array of European hotshots. Davis, 37, is at the twilight of his career, whereas Lundstram’s future remains uncertain with Chris Wilder aiming for a reunion at Middlesbrough before the window is slammed shut.
The ex-Sheffield United star completed a free transfer back in the summer but has failed to secure a first-team role in all these months. He has struggled to attune to the aggression of the Scottish game and a move south of the border can’t be ruled out unless the manager thinks otherwise and blocks his egress.
Bacuna and Jack are having a stop-start campaign for form and fitness reasons. Nnamdi Ofoborh, the other summer recruit, has not kicked the ball yet due to fitness issues and the Gers might undergo a midfield crisis in the coming days irrespective of Arfield’s future. A new deal should be considered for the Canucks international to maintain the balance between youth and experience going forward.
