According to Jonny McFarlane, Rangers “have to” attempt to recruit Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland in the summer, as it will be a “completely different situation” than it was during the January window.
The journalist stated that it would be a “dereliction of duty” to not make a move for the Hearts captain in the summer after the Scot helped the team upset Celtic and Cyriel Dessers’ lack of sharpness contributed to the Gers’ 2-1 loss to Motherwell, during an appearance on the Rangers Review Morning Briefing on March 5.
A year before his contract expires, he thinks it’s a realistic chance to get the 28-year-old for a sum of around £2.5 million. He has scored 27 goals in all competitions this season.
Regarding Celtic’s 12 minute 45 second defeat, McFarlane stated: “That was made possible by a man Rangers ought to have signed in the January window. Incredible. I’ve been recommending Lawrence Shankland to the Rangers for the past two years. Among the few things I have gotten right this season, he has been ridiculously good.
“I simply don’t believe Dessers is talented enough. There are occasions, such as against Motherwell, when you need your number nine to step up, take the field, and score a few goals in a close game.
In the summer, Rangers will need to enter and attempt to capture Shankland. If they didn’t, I believe it would be a dereliction of duty. With a full year ahead of them, what would Hearts desire in the summer? £2 million?
Following Derek Clark’s observation that the funds were unavailable in the middle of the season, McFarlane said, “January’s different though. Hearts desired a premium, but for it to be worthwhile, it had to be substantial. If necessary, they have the option to switch teams in the summer. They are able to prepare for it.
Thus, the circumstances are very different, and I believe he would be available for much less—perhaps £2.5 million. He is well worth the investment.
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Rangers to acquire Cyriel Dessers’ Tynecastle upgrade?
It’s unfortunate for Dessers that a number of elements have worked together to frequently cast his time at Ibrox and his 16 goals for Rangers in a negative light.
Had it not been for Sam Lammers’s and, to a lesser degree, Danilo’s difficulties adapting this season, he would not have ended up as one of the faces of Michael Beale’s increasingly unpopular failed revamp.
If not for the injuries suffered by the Brazilian, Abdallah Sima, Oscar Cortes, and other players, the focus would not be on the Nigerian’s goals. Additionally, Shankland wouldn’t be constantly contrasted negatively if he weren’t such an exceptional player with close ties to Ibrox.
Dessers is what he appears to be: a reliable backup striker who, although lacking the decisive edge to be the best choice, can nevertheless provide a respectable number of goals when given the proper support.
Conversely, Shankland appears to be demonstrating more and more that he can be the main man. Although Rangers supporters were a little disappointed when nothing happened in January, the idea that it is possible in the summer will instill optimism once more.
Some will reject the notion because of his age and wealth, but there is currently a strong case in favor of it.
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