Andy Gray has spoken to the Daily Record about the future of Alfredo Morelos.
The Colombian forward finished topscorer in the SPL last season and also became the first Gers player since Kris Boyd to net 30 goals in a single campaign. However, disciplinary problems detracted from his achievements. He picked up an incredible five reds (one later rescinded) and 18 yellows in all competitions.
Gray doesn’t believe he’s about to learn from his mistakes, either. Therefore, he thinks that if the Gers can get a big fee for him, they shouldn’t hesitate to sell.
Gray not impressed
“I’m not a fan of Morelos,” Gray told the Record. “He’s unreliable in big games. He’s not done enough against the likes of Celtic – he hasn’t even scored against them yet. So I’m not a big fan at all but I do understand Steven has got a guy here who scored more than 30 goals last season.”
“If it was as simple as replacing him with another guy who will score 30 plus next season then I’d definitely get rid. If someone comes in for him with £15m then Rangers would be foolish not to sell him and try to use the money to bring in that replacement. Or, if you could tell me Jermain is going to be fit for the whole season, I would say, ‘Sell Morelos, get the money in and make the group better’.
“But you have to remember there’s 30 goals to replace if he’s sold and it’s Steven’s job to balance that. If he feels he can get those goals from other areas then he’ll be tempted to sell. Put it this way, when Morelos was suspended at the end of last season he wasn’t missed that much. It was good for the other boys not to have to be so reliant on him.
“Yes, he does well but if he’s going to cost us as much as he gives us then it leaves Steven with a big decision to make. If nobody wants to pay the money then fine. He’ll have to contribute this season and hopefully, he’ll have learned from his mistakes but I’m not so sure.”
Verdict
Few would argue with the assertion that Rangers played their best football towards the back end of last season, with Jermain Defoe leading the line.
However, the club can’t simply let a 30-goal striker go and hope the England international will do it all himself.
Steven Gerrard has already stated that because of the need to bring in a replacement, any deal for Morelos will have to happen soon [BBC Sport].
With Ryan Hardie set for a move to Blackpool [Blackpool Gazette] and Kyle Lafferty frozen out, a new forward may already be on the manager’s shopping list.
