If a recent report from The Athletic is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping close eyes on Theo Bair ahead of a potential summer move. But it’s not a free run for them as their Old Firm rivals Celtic are also keen on securing his services.
The 24-year-old Motherwell ace enjoyed an impressive Premiership campaign with 15 goals in 38 games. He netted and assisted twice each in five relegation group outings thus helping the Steelmen retain their top-flight status for the upcoming season. The strides he made in recent months earned him a place in Canada’s Copa America 2024 squad under Jesse Marsch’s tutelage.
Les Rouges International progressed through the youth setup of Ottawa Royals, Capital United and West Ottawa SC before joining the academy ranks of MLS outfit Vancouver Whitecaps FC. He eventually broke into their senior squad but failed to leave a mark despite a loan stint with HamKam in the second tier of Norway. St Johnstone tied him down in January 2022 for a minuscule €123k transfer fee, however, his statistics of one goal in 38 appearances over one and a half years resulted in a contract termination by mutual consent.
Motherwell snapped him up on a Bosman and the gamble paid off as Bair became their highest scorer of the 2023-24 campaign. He worked hard to get his career back on track and the interest from Celtic and Rangers endorses his resurgence in Scottish football.
Why Rangers Should Secure His Services
The Light Blues are working towards redemption under Philippe Clement having roped in Óscar Cortés on loan from Lens. They are also closing in on Yusuf Kabadayi and Hamza Igamane to bolster their attack. Yet the arrival of Bair would offer depth and multifariousness following last season’s mediocrity.
With Kemar Roofe released upon the expiration of his Ibrox contract, Rangers are left with Cyriel Dessers and Danilo as the outright ‘number 9’ options. Irrespective of finding the net 22 times, Dessers has often been criticized for his lack of all-round ability. The Nigerian could be offloaded for a suitable offer and Bair, therefore, might be viewed as a replacement for his poaching traits while spearheading the attack.
Clement prefers his centre-forwards to be involved in the attacking build-ups. Danilo fits in for his work ethic and backtracking traits, but his persistent injury problems require alternatives to challenge and cover him high up the pitch. Igamane’s style of play ticks those boxes, but the directness of Bair’s game would add a different dimension, particularly as a ‘super sub’ in close contests.
