Rangers have a slender lead on the top of the table, but we still have a lot to play for this season. Steven Gerrard made wholesale changes ever since he took over the mantle at the club and slowly but surely he has prepared Rangers to fight with Celtic for the top honours.
Hir recruitment in the last few windows have been shrewd, and they haven’t cost much money as they brought in plenty of players on free transfers or on loans. One piece of business which has worked really well for Rangers so far is the arrival of Jermain Defoe. The veteran Englishman is currently the top scorer in the Premiership, and he is enjoying his time at Ibrox on loan.
Defoe on staying at Ibrox
Defoe will become a free agent in the summer of 2020 as his contract with Bournemouth would expire. We think that Gerrard would undoubtedly consider signing him again given his form and even Defoe has iterated that he wants a lengthy stay with the Bears. The 37-year-old recently said (Sky Sports), “I want to stay. It’s a special football club – you feel it. The way I feel now, easily (On whether he can carry on playing in his 40’s).
The striker also went on to credit Gerrard for his recent success as his former national teammate can understand him well and utilise him effectively.
What should Gerrard do?
As things stand, it will be almost a no brainer for Gerrard to offer Defoe a new contract next summer. Defoe has managed to stay injury-free, and he has looked fit as a fiddle even at this stage of his career. Rangers should likely look to offer Defoe a two-year deal next summer.
Impact of Defoe
Given Defoe’s good form, Gerrard has had the luxury of rotating the forwards and keeping them fresh for every game. Moreover, the presence of an experienced campaigner like Defoe, would have also helped someone like Morelos, who is looking to make his name at the global stage.
Who knows maybe Defoe has had some role to play in mellowing down the Colombian striker this season. The competition would also keep him on the edge as he knows that Gerrard can drop him easily in favour of Defoe who has been doing well.
All in all, the frontline for Rangers seem to be sorted at the moment. Nobody expected Defoe to be this effective in the Premiership, but he has shown that age is just a number as he is still going strong.
