Rangers look like they’ll need a Joe Worrall replacement this summer, but Steven Gerrard won’t have to worry if he captures Charlton’s Patrick Bauer.
The German centre-back is receiving interest from Blackburn and now Rangers according to the Lancashire Telegraph, and with his intimidating 6ft 2in stature, he’d certainly bring a physical presence at the very least.
Indeed, he’s said within the report to be available on a free this summer and surely that’ll please the board too.
The 26-year-old played 35 games in League One this season and it’s clear from those that he’s more than ready to make the step up. Rangers are a huge club in comparison and surely it’d be an attractive move for the player, especially with the added draw of Gerrard.
Frankly, Gerrard has to be looking for a centre-back to keep Rangers steady next season. Under his watch thus far, they’ve often crumbled on the big occasion and that’s left them with no trophy to show for what was still a year of improvement. So, despite Who Scored rating discipline as one of his weaknesses, anyone who’s seen him play will agree that his tough tackling could take them all the way.
A youngster is always likely to have more discipline issues than older players in the role he plays so, while the club certainly don’t need more any problems on that front, perhaps their valuation of his problems there can be put down to a lack of experience.
The fact he’s available for free would also likely mean they’d be able to spend their money on a striker to partner Alfredo Morelos or a long-awaited number 10, which Gerrard alluded to signing way (per the Daily Record) back in November. Clearly, we’re not privy to budgets and the like, but you’d imagine the more bargains like this would free up cash elsewhere.
Bauer showed his class in the play-off final, scoring the winner and being rated Who Scored’s star man. Though it’s early in his career, he’s proved (up until this point, anyway) he’s got the mentality to deal with pressure.
Seems like it makes sense for Rangers if they can pull a deal off.
Rangers fans, where do you think you need to strengthen this summer? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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