According to a recent report by The Scotsman, Rangers have emerged as the hot favourites to land Bournemouth striker Jermain Defoe this summer at the Ibrox Stadium. The report states that the Gers are 3/1 favourites to secure the services of Defoe, with Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, rated at 10/1. However, signing him wouldn’t be an easy affair.
Rangers are breathing fresh life under the tutelage of Steven Gerrard and the former Liverpool skipper has been busy in shaping his squad for the better. Gerrard has already bagged some quality signings for the Scottish giants as he has lured the likes of Jon Flanagan, Scott Arfield, Allan McGregor and Jamie Murphy. However, he needs to bolster his side’s striker options.
Olivier McBurnie has signed a new contract with Swansea City and Jason Cummings’ return to Rangers seems to be unlikely. Besides, it has been reported that Fenerbahce are attempting to sign Alfredo Morelos whereas Cardiff City are after Josh Windass. Thus, it would make a lot of sense if Rangers go after one or two strikers to beef up their attacking arsenal.
Defoe started his senior career with West Ham United and then went on to carve his name as one of the legendary players of Tottenham Hotspur. Spells with Toronto FC, Portsmouth and Sunderland also proved to be productive ones for the striker and there is no denying that he smashed goals left, right and centre during his prime days. He moved to Bournemouth in the summer of 2017.
Last season, he couldn’t ply his trade on a regular basis with the Cherries as injury spells kept him sidelined. In 24 appearances, 13 of which were off the bench, the 35-year-old scored 4 goals and registered an assist. Defoe is still acknowledged as an extremely useful striker to have in the ranks and apart from Rangers, Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday are also keen to rope him in.
With the experience he possesses, he can guide the other players of the squad in the right direction. A move to the Scottish Premiership should help him personally as far as his effectiveness is concerned with the football expected to be a tad less demanding than the top-flight of England. Although the apparent interest of the Light Blues to sign Defoe is an intriguing one, the £65,000-a-week wages of the Englishman could be a massive stumbling block for Gerrard’s camp in their pursuit.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored