If the reports from Italy are believed to be true (as claimed by the Daily Record), Rangers have decided not to secure the services of Aaron Ramsey in the upcoming summer window. The Light Blues surprised many by roping in the Welshman from Juventus on the winter deadline. However, he has struggled to attune to the aggression of the Scottish game and as things stand, his loan deal is unlikely to be made permanent by the end of the current campaign.
Rangers, the reigning Premiership champions, have dropped way too many points in recent games. They are flying high in Europe having knocked out mighty Borussia Dortmund from the Round of 32 of the Europa League, but the failure of defending a 2-0 lead against Motherwell exposed their frailty once again. Celtic are three points ahead in the title race, and an immediate turnaround is expected from the Ibrox hotshots under Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s tutelage.
How Things Have Gone Wrong At Rangers
Ramsey, with his profound experience as well as quality, was supposed to drive their midfield game en route to defending the silverware. He joined the Gers for more minutes after losing his first-team status in Turin, but fitness issues have refrained him from making it to the matchday squad in the recent outings.
The Light Blues have ample options in the centre of the pitch and the return of Ryan Jack has been a significant boost as witnessed in the Europa League. Having said that, the Scotsman’s involvement must be handled carefully considering his past injury record and Ramsey, who was supposed to cement a regular role in central midfield, is yet to start a league game in Rangers colours. The Wales midfielder made it to the starting XI only once, that too against fourth-tier Annan Athletic in a Scottish Cup tie.
Meanwhile, the emergence of John Lundstram is a massive relief for the manager. Although the former Sheffield United star had a difficult time under Steven Gerrard, the fixtures of late suggest he is now ahead of Glen Kamara in the pecking order. Joe Aribo is operating more as an attacking playmaker, whereas the versatility of Scott Arfield has also been utilized down the right-hand side.
Nevertheless, the box-to-box movements, late runs and through balls of Ramsey would have made a difference. The upcoming Old Firm derbies would be the title decider and the ex-Gunners sensation must step up the recovery irrespective of his future.
