Rangers FC will have to plan for life without Josh Windass in the coming season as Cardiff City are preparing to meet the player’s £3m valuation. The 24-year-old had that release clause included even in his new contract which he signed last January, as confirmed by his father, Dean Windass.
The Premier League new boys have already brought in four new faces in Josh Murphy, Jamie Cunningham, Bobby Reid and Alex Smithies and would like to further that line by signing the influential Gers attacking midfielder.
Windass slowed down towards the later stages of the 2017/18 campaign but otherwise was a standout performer for the Light Blues. He was instrumental in his side’s challenge for the league title and is slowly coming into his best years as a professional footballer. The Englishman slotted in 18 goals and grabbed 8 assists in 41 appearances, across all competitions. The £60,000 acquisition from Accrington Stanley has lit up the Scottish Premiership with his creative and attacking instincts.
Graeme Murty fielded Windass as a starter in multiple roles last season including the centre-forward position. It would be fair to assume that the 24-year-old is ready for a bigger challenge in the Premier League. Cardiff will require younger bodies to successfully keep their place in the top-flight beyond just one season. Losing Windass to City is a real possibility and Steven Gerrard might not have any say in the deal.
What the Rangers boss can do is look for replacements and here are a few candidates he should consider.
Joel Asoro
The Sunderland teenager is quite talented and has put in some impressive displays in recent times. Asoro can operate both as a centre-forward or from the number ten position.
With blinding pace under those boots, the 19-year-old is a sight to watch. With the Black Cats going down to the League One, he could be acquired for a reasonable fee but Gerrard will also have to think about the competitors.
John McGinn
It is a no-brainer really with the number of rumours that have been linked with the 23-year-old since the end of the 2017/18 campaign. It seems like Hibernian are just holding out for the best bid and Rangers can match that once the Windass transfer fee rolls in.
Read More: Rangers Set To Part Ways With Their 29 Y/O Out-Of-Favour Striker: A Masterstroke From Gerrard?
George Honeyman
Another Sunderland player who can easily make it into the Rangers squad. At 23, he has shown the ability to initiate his team’s offence. He scored 7 goals and furthered 2 assists last season and can be deployed in multiple positions across the pitch.
