Money talks in football these days. Indeed, it positively swears, to paraphrase a song by Bob Dylan. Every player has a cost, regardless of how significant or dedicated they are to the cause of the team.
Hearts may therefore be tempted to cash in on their prized asset if they receive a sizable seven-figure offer for their captain Lawrence Shankland during the January transfer window, despite the encouraging rumblings from Tynecastle in recent weeks regarding contract extensions and better terms.
even if their fiercest Premiership rivals, Rangers, make the bid. Previous Gorgie to Govan converts include Neil McCann, Dave McPherson, Alan McLaren, Lee Wallace, David Templeton, and Kyle Lafferty. If Shankland is tried to land, he might very well end up following the same well-traveled route.
Despite his happiness at Hearts, the Scotland striker, who is currently 28 years old and may only have one more major move left in his career, will no doubt be interested in the chance to increase his earning capacity while he is at the top of his considerable powers.
If suitors approach the top scorer in the league, who moved his season total to 17 with his incredible injury time winner against Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night, he will have to think about more than just his financial situation.
What impact would a transfer have on his chances of being selected in the 23-man national team for the summertime Euro 2024 finals in Germany?
Shankland is having the best season of his life right now. He scored a late equalizer against Georgia in the qualifier in Tbilisi last month after coming off the bench. He plays for a team where the supporters love him, the manager gets him, and the structure works for him. Will he thrive in his new environment, though?
There is a good chance. Even so, he will still remember his time at Beerschot in Belgium. He scored five goals in 26 games for the Antwerp team and reaped the rewards of playing at a higher level than he had in the past. However, he was glad to go back home after being demoted at the conclusion of the 2020–21 campaign.
The Scotland manager Steve Clarke could be pleased to see the center forward playing for a larger team. He could then choose Che Adams of Southampton, Jacob Brown of Luton, and Lyndon Dykes of Queens Park Rangers up front, potentially increasing the center forward’s chances of making the final squad for Euro 2024.
But, it would be counterproductive for him to sit on the bench rather than getting started each week if he wanted to fully appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Shankland’s contract expires in the summer of 2025, so it would be best to stay until the end of this season, contribute to Hearts’ efforts to place third in the Premiership, add to his already impressive goal total, and make sure he plays for his nation in the European Championship finals.
This is the time of year to look back on the previous year and anticipate the upcoming 12 months. Let’s hope that 2024 turns out to be just as much fun for Scotland and their fans as 2023 was.
It will be difficult to compete in the Euro 2024 finals in June in Germany because Group A will feature the host country, Hungary, and Switzerland. However, national manager Steve Clarke can guarantee a spot in a major tournament’s knockout stages for the first time ever if his best players are fit.
Therefore, it is a little concerning that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed this week that captain Andy Robertson is “not even close” to recovering from the shoulder injury he sustained in October in Seville against Spain.
The left back should be fit for the March international matches, fingers crossed.
A FINAL NOTE
Alex McLeish’s numerous accomplishments were enumerated in the press release that declared him an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for his contributions to football and his charitable work throughout the years.
The former center half deserves this honor because of his achievements as a player with Aberdeen and Scotland and as a manager with Motherwell, Hibernian, Rangers, and Birmingham City.
Nor should his second stint as Scotland’s captain be disregarded. He was widely regarded as a failure during his brief 14-month tenure. After just two qualifiers for Euro 2020, he resigned. But it’s important to remember that during his difficult reign, he set the stage for the success that has been enjoyed ever since his departure.
The national team ended their 23-year wait to qualify for a tournament finals by winning their Nations League group and earning a spot in the Euro 2020 play-offs. He also added players like Scott McKenna, Jack Hendry, and Scott McTominay to the team.
Big Eck OBE can proudly watch the June 2024 Euro 2024 opening match against Germany in Munich.
GET MORE NEWS HERE