Former Scottish Premiership striker Noel Whelan believes that Rangers have made a “massive signing” in securing the services of talented teenager Charlie Lindsay, who despite being only 15 has already been compared with Wayne Rooney.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, this week the ‘Gers signed the youngster on a three-year deal from Glentoran, with the transfer taking effect from his 16th birthday in July. He has already featured for Rangers’ youth teams and distinguished himself with his performances in the Alkass International Cup youth tournament in February in which he was named the competition’s MVP.
Ex-Sunderland defender Chris Makin lauded the performances of the teenager in Qatar, saying: “I don’t think anyone has had a tournament like him. Joint top scorer heading into the last day, and a natural finisher, he reminds me so much of Wayne Rooney.” [https://internationalcup.alkass.net/, via The Scottish Sun]
Whelan commended Rangers for completing Lindsay’s signature, telling Football Insider: “You want to be a desirable football club. Sometimes you’ve got to get a step ahead and you’ve got to show that intent that they’re going to be giants again. At 15 years of age he is one for the future, but also, we’ve seen players at 16 getting chances in the Premier League this season. Lads at that age are playing against men.
“That’s a massive signing. It’s a big statement saying he’s going to be the next Wayne Rooney, but if it does come to fruition, then they’ve got a real player and a lot of profit on their hands if they decide to sell further down the line.”
Whelan’s views on the deal are quite understandable. Having seen Celtic hoover up every Premiership title since 2012, and with the Hoops 13 points clear before the current season ground to a halt amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rangers need to utilise every possible edge they can get to knock their Glasgow rivals off their perch. Therefore, securing a deal for such a promising youngster in Lindsay has made an emphatic statement of intent.
Whelan is also right to believe that the 15-year-old has the potential to be such a “massive” coup for the ‘Gers. At the Alkass International Cup, he finished as the tournament’s joint-top scorer with six goals, including a sensational free kick in a 4-4 draw, and scooped four man of the match awards. He was also named in the official team of the tournament alongside young talents from major European clubs such as Inter Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid, hinting that he can thrive amid elite company.
Labelling him as the next Rooney may seem quite a burden for a 15-year-old but all the signs so far suggest that Lindsay is well placed to make a name for himself at senior level and prove Whelan correct in describing him as “a massive signing” for Rangers.
Rangers fans, do you agree with Whelan’s verdict that Lindsay represents a massive signing for the club? Comment below with your views!
