Rangers have looked sharp in the opening fixtures, and they have continued with their perfect start as they swatted away Hibernian FC 6-1 last weekend. Jermain Defoe bagged his first hattrick for Rangers and a first for him in over three years. It will be fair to say that on another day, he could have had 4 or five goals to his name.
The veteran English forward might not provide the same intensity and hold up play of Morelos, but the former Tottenham striker has shown that he can still be a handful in the Premiership. Rangers have him on loan until the end of the season, and by that time, his contract with Bournemouth would also expire. That will make him a free agent and Gerrard recently indicated that he could give him an extension next season.
Gerrard hints about signing Defoe
The English manager recently said (Daily Record), ”I get the age. But, for me, the important thing is how you feel. If you’ve never touched a drop of alcohol in your life and are as hungry as Jermain Defoe, age never comes into my thinking. I don’t think, ‘He’s 36 so can’t start or play two games on the road’ I know this player, his hunger, his professionalism. He can score goals for Rangers for this season and, if I can predict, probably after this season as well.”
The way Gerrard mentioned that he could be productive next season as well suggests that the Gers would most probably come up with an offer to sign him again. Moreover, it will be a free transfer so Rangers could feel that it would be a no-risk signing even though he will be 37 by then.
Right call from Gerrard?
As a backup striker, Defoe has done well. He keeps getting himself on the scoresheet with his smart movement and positioning. As Gerrard mentioned, Defoe has seemingly taken care of his body well, and age is just a number if the player is fit and delivering the results on the pitch. With modern-day nutrition, diet plans and training methodologies; one can expect the players to last longer at the top level if they work hard and keep everything in check.
There could come a time when Defoe might be used as a first-choice striker as Alfredo Morelos is going to draw interest from various quarters in every transfer window. Defoe has lost his natural pace, so he is not that effective as before while making runs between the channels.
Hopefully, Gerrard will only see him as a backup option for the future as well. Giving him a one-year extension next season wouldn’t be a bad idea at all from the Rangers gaffer. In fact, we feel that is the only logical course of action going by early indications this season.
