Recently reports from the Scottish Sun had emerged that Rangers were interested in signing Swansea City’s out of contract left-back Martin Olsson in the summer. The reports mentioned that Rangers even held talks with the defender recently. However, the latest news from the Daily Record conveys that Rangers are now out of the race and Olsson is not going to join at Ibrox.
The reason is not yet mentioned, but we think that it could be about wages. The defender had an experience of playing close to 200 games in the Premier League. However, he missed a good chunk of last season due to injury and made just 17 appearances in the Championship for the Swans.
Rangers’ left-back woes
Rangers signed a left back just last campaign only in the form of Borna Barsic. However, after a bright start to the season, the Croatian tapered off. Injuries also troubled him and he never really managed to settle in at the club. He was replaced by Andy Halliday and Jon Flanagan in the left-back role both of whom aren’t proper left backs (Halliday is a midfielder, and Flanagan is a right back).
Therefore that suggested that Gerrard was clearly unhappy with Barisic’s performance even though he was the only outright left back in the squad. Recently reports had emerged that Gerrard was unhappy with certain players including Barisic when Rangers played in a friendly against Liverpool’s u-23.
The Gers were left 4-0 down at the half time, and the report mentioned that the club might look to sell Barisic as Gerrard was unhappy with his desire and commitment. However, the player himself later threw cold water to that news as he claimed that the media blew things out of proportion.
Is it a big miss for Gerrard?
There is no doubt in our mind that Gerrard isn’t happy with Barisic and Olsson could have been a smart acquisition on a free transfer. The 47 times Swedish international has decent pace, and he is reliable at the back as well. However, his career is on a downward trajectory, and there is a suitable case to be made for not signing him as the Swedish international has struggled with some injuries of late
However, he would have been a no-risk signing as he was available for free. But now it seems like Rangers have pulled out of the race. Not signing him is not too big a blow. We believe that Barisic should be given another season to prove himself at Ibrox. Flanagan and Halliday filled in well at left back when required, so signing a left-sided full back might not be a necessity for the club.
