Kevin van Veen is free to sign with any team in January, including Rangers, provided they receive a sufficient offer from Groningen.
The 32-year-old striker made a name for himself in the PFA Scotland team of the year after being a revelation for Motherwell the previous campaign, scoring 29 goals across all competitions.
Due to his outstanding play in front of goal, Van Veen was also nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award. However, Motherwell had to sell Van Veen to Groningen, therefore they had to forfeit the opportunity to use Van Veen.
But things haven’t turned out better with the £500k transfer to the Dutch second division team. He hasn’t played for Groningen since November 24 and has only scored five goals in 14 games.
Van Veen’s wife, who is still living in Scotland, just gave birth to their child, and he was given “indefinite” paternal leave to spend time with her and the new child.
It happened after Van Veen, who was about to go to Groningen, told The Scottish Sun that Rangers were watching him. The sports director for the Dutch team made remarks that have put the Ibrox side on edge.
Rangers on Kevin van Veen alert
Wouter Gudde has stated that Van Veen will be permitted to depart Groningen in January, as reported in the Daily Record. However, before the club considers selling, a reasonable bid must be made.
“I talk to Kevin almost every day on the phone, and we will listen if there is interest because he is not playing,” Gudde stated.
“We will work with his departure if another club makes a solid offer and the resolution is satisfactory. He is obviously welcome to rejoin the club in theory when we start training again on January 3.
Groningen’s position on Van Veen has obviously changed, as manager Dick Lukkien stated publicly at the end of November that he would prefer the frontman to return in January.
All signs point to Van Veen leaving Groningen, and the Rangers wouldn’t have to pay a fortune to rekindle their interest in the Dutchman.
He’s hardly a long-term fix at age 32, but in light of our current striking department injuries, he might be a great stopgap.
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