Rangers and Philippe Clement face the challenge of finding quality, risk-free signings on a limited budget. Could a former Ibrox loanee be a potential option in defense?
Could Rangers entertain a bid for out-of-favour? Joe Worrall
Steven Gerrard’s first priority as Rangers manager was to improve the team’s defense.
Out went Russell Martin, Danny Wilson, and David Bates, while in came Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, and experienced campaigner Gareth McAuley.
After unsuccessful attempts to sign Millwall’s Jake Cooper, Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall was brought in to fill the gap.
Despite a rejected £10 million deal from Burnley, the England Under-21 international excelled in his debut match against Villareal.
The difficulty was that he was not only on loan, but he had replaced Nikola Katic, who had quickly become a cult icon due to his all-action style of play.
Worrall’s fate was almost sealed with fans after a costly blunder against Kilmarnock, but things have since altered.
As Forest captain, he led the team to the Premier League and partnered with Rangers-linked Scott McKenna in a season where they never faced relegation.
As is customary, managers change and bring in their own players, and what had been a successful tandem was broken up.
Both players were advised not to train with the first-team, indicating a behind-the-scenes incident.
McKenna has moved to Copenhagen, while Worrall has joined Besiktas. However, Alan Nixon on Patreon suggests that the £4 million option to buy will not be executed, and the player may return.
“I signed a new contract extension, but my game time was definitely limited due to the new management and the club’s direction.
“I’ve played two games under Nuno, but Forest is well-stocked with skill and good players.
“For me, it’s all about getting match fit and me sitting there is doing nobody any favours so it’s all about playing games and then we’ll see.”
It’s almost as if he’s waiting for a new management, but it’s evident that at 27, he wants to play on a regular basis and at a decent level.
If I were Philippe Clement, I’d call Ross Wilson and ask if the price would be the same for Rangers, even though £4 million is not much nowadays.
Worrall, despite his blunder at Kilmarnock, is a talented player.
He is strong in the air and confident in possession, and his time as Forest captain has helped him develop leadership abilities.
To put it another way, if you could switch Ben Davies for Worrall without spending any money, would you do so?
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