According to an interview with former Aberdeen striker Noel Whelan, as has been reported by Football Insider, Scottish giants Rangers have been tipped to battle it out with fierce rivals Celtic, for the signature of 23-year-old Dons striker Sam Cosgrove. Whelan was quick to point out that the forward still has his best years ahead of him, and that he offers the potential to be sold for a good profit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Leeds United man Whelan said, “I am sure they will have their eye on him but they will face competition from a lot of Championship teams. He has had a very good season. A goalscorer who will be at the right price and the right age. He is not even in his best years yet. A player that has a lot of improving to do and could be a good commodity and a good buy for many clubs. He will not cost a massive amount but he could be worth a lot in three years’ time. Sam Cosgrove is an investment. Goalscorers do not go under the radar. I am sure Celtic and Rangers are looking at it.”
What Is The Current Strike Situation At Rangers?
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers side started the campaign looking like they had what it took to really push Celtic to the limit in the title race this season. The former Liverpool midfielder has four natural striking options to choose from, and it’s safe to say that Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos has been the undisputed first-choice at the Ibrox for quite a while now. Jermaine Defoe, Florian Kamberi and Greg Stewart form the Gers’ other centre-forward options.
The fact that their Colombian striker sensation could actually be departing Glasgow at the end of the season could come as a massive blow. As has been clarified by Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa are said to be quite keen on acquiring the 23-year-old. The former HJK Helsinki forward’s 46 appearances for the Ibrox side across all competitions yielded a pretty impressive return of 29 goals this season, which included four braces, two hat-tricks, and a couple of rather forgettable red cards.
What Would Sam Cosgrove Add To This Rangers Side?
The 23-year-old Englishman began his career with the Everton U18s but only broke into the first-team after he made the loan switch to Barrow in the summer of 2015. Despite having been a member of the Wigan squad for a fairly long time, the striker was only ever given one first-team appearance by the Latics. The transfer that has seemingly turned his career around came right at the start of 2018 when he chose to try out in Scottish football and made the move to Aberdeen.
Should Gerrard Look To Make This Move?
Cosgrove has been quite sensational in the Scottish Premiership this season, having picked up a commendable record of 11 goals from 25 league outings. The Aberdeen man is a tall and physically strong striker who has the ability to use his body to the team’s advantage. Capable of brushing off any defender on his day, and adept at finding the target once inside the box, Cosgrove could be the ideal replacement for Morelos, if the latter does decide to depart the Ibrox.
For all the drama that the Colombian does cause, it’s worth conceding that he’s singlehandedly helped this Gers team win multiple fixtures over the last couple of seasons. Finding a replacement was never going to be an easy task for Gerrard, but with a proven striker like Sam Cosgrove available for purchase, it’s a move that the gaffer definitely needs to make.
