Rangers supporters in the Transfer Tavern are eagerly anticipating the new era at their football club following the appointment of Steven Gerrard as the new Gers manager last month.
The 38-year-old was confirmed as Graeme Murty’s successor back in May to take charge from June 1, but the Liverpool legend was busy prior to his start date in making additions to his squad in the hope that they can challenge champions Celtic next season. Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield have both joined the club on free transfers, Jamie Murphy has turned his loan move into a permanent one, while Ovie Ejaria has sealed a season-long loan deal with the Light Blues.
And it looks like Brighton’s Connor Goldson could well be the next addition to Gerrard’s squad if recent reports are anything to go by, which suggest that a deal could be done for the centre back in the coming days.
And with Goldson close to making the move to Ibrox, Rangers must now seek to land £3.15 million-rated ace Kyle Bartley (as per Transfermarkt), who would be the perfect centre back partner for Goldson at the Scottish giants.
Ultimately, while going forward the Gers were one of the best sides in the Scottish Premiership this season, they were comfortably one of the worst at back in shipping 50 goals in their 38 league matches.
And with that figure being more than the other sides that finished in the top seven of the division this term, it’s pretty clear what area of the squad Gerrard must reinforce this summer, with Goldson’s imminent arrival certainly a step in the right direction.
But with David Bates leaving the club this summer, Russell Martin unlikely to earn a permanent deal, and the future of Bruno Alves uncertain, new Light Blues chief Gerrard should seek further defensive additions, which is why Bartley is one man who must arrive at Ibrox this summer.
The Swansea City man, who spent time on loan at Rangers back in 2011 and 2012, is some way down the pecking order at the Liberty Stadium and is expected to leave this summer, with Gerrard’s side and Leeds United reportedly keen on his services.
And that’s because the 27-year-old excelled in the heart of the Leeds defence back in the 2016/17 season as they sealed a seventh place finish in the Championship, thus underlining his credentials as a centre back in a competitive league, and indeed suggesting that he could be an asset north of the border.
Bartley is strong aerially and in the tackle, yet also has genuine quality on the ball as well with calmness and composure in possession – he could be the ideal partner for Goldson in the heart of Gerrard’s backline.
And with the Gers clearly in need of defensive reinforcements, and a deal for Goldson seemingly imminent, Gerrard’s side must now seek to add the hugely adept Bartley to their ranks to seal an ideal centre back partner for the Englishman.
Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!
