According to the reports from Daily Record, Rangers are eyeing a move for Birmingham City striker Greg Stewart. The 29-year-old forward is currently on loan with Aberdeen and Rangers are looking to snap him up on a free transfer as his contract with the Championship outfit is set to expire. The striker spent the first half of the season on loan with Kilmarnock and was later snapped up by the Dons in January this year.
Stewart has managed nine goals and nine assists in all competitions this season in Scotland and on a free transfer, this looks like a decent move for Rangers.
However, we feel that the Bears need to aim much higher if they want to stop Celtic next season. Stewart is a decent striker, but Rangers need someone ‘better than decent’ if they’re going to challenge for the title in the upcoming season.
If the club goes on to lose Alfredo Morelos in the summer, then Gerrard will need to bring similar quality (in terms of goals and not temperament) to replace the Colombian. Now let us be honest; Stewart is not going to produce 20-25 goals a season. As backup options, the Bears already have the likes of Jermain Defoe and Kyle Lafferty at their disposal, and we expect the two to play a significant role next season.
One of the main reasons why we feel Stewart might struggle for Rangers is because of his record for the Dons. The Scotsman scored and assisted all his goals for Kilmarnock, but he is yet to provide any attacking returns for Aberdeen. One thing which works for the 29-year-old is his versatility as apart from leading the line, Stewart can play on the flanks and even as an attacking midfielder.
Attacking midfield is one area where Rangers needs to add cover in as most of their midfielders are more conservative in nature. Stewart might be able to do a job in that role, but he isn’t going to be a game changer for the Bears. Gerrard should look to sign someone proven and an outright playmaker for the next season.
Rangers already have too many bits and pieces players who can do different kinds of roles in the team. The club needs to sign someone who can elevate them to the next level by taking the game by the scruff of the neck when the going gets tough. On a free transfer, Stewart might look a decent acquisition, but Rangers will be better off avoiding him.
