Wolves will not stand in Dion Sanderson’s way if Rangers step up their summer pursuit as the Premier League outfit reportedly have concerns over the defender’s ability to make the requisite step up.
During loan spells at Cardiff, Sunderland, QPR and most-recently Birmingham City, the versatile Dion Sanderson has done nothing but enhance his reputation. Impressing at St Andrews as John Eustace’s Blues put those off-field issues behind them while dodging a relegation dogfight.
But, as consistent as the 23-year-old has been down the road at Birmingham, Midland neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers still have ‘reservations’ about Sanderson’s ability to reach the next level.
Is Wolves’ Dion Sanderson still an option for Rangers?
Wolves, The Athletic say, fear he lacks the requisite on-the-ball ability to truly thrive in the Premier League.
The numbers certainly back up such an argument. Sanderson’s pass completion rate at Birmingham – 77 per cent – is well behind those of Wolves’ current central defenders; Max Kilman, Craig Dawson and Nathan Collins (WhoScored).
Whether Rangers are willing to overlook such drawbacks, meanwhile, only time will tell. The Scottish Sun reported a few months ago that Rangers were keeping tabs on Sanderson, who is valued at around £3 million with two years left on his Molineux deal.
Wolves, The Athletic add, will not stand in Sanderson’s way.
But with Rangers seemingly prioritising a left-sided centre-half rather than a right-sided one – Filip Helander is off with his contract expiring – it’s tempting to wonder if the ship has already sailed as far as Sanderson is concerned.
In Conor Goldson and the returning John Souttar, Mick Beale already has two excellent right-sided centre-half options. Sanderson can play at full-back too, but Dujon Sterling is reportedly on his way from Chelsea to provide competition for James Tavernier (Daily Record).
Furthermore, considering that Beale is a coach who prides himself upon an attractive, proactive style of play, Sanderson’s deficiencies in possession are likely to be as much of an issue for him as they are for Wolves counterpart Julen Lopetegui.
As things stand, the smart money is on Sanderson’s former Birmingham team-mate – the left-footed Auston Trusty – arriving at Ibrox instead.
