As Dominic Solanke has his sights set on success at Crystal Palace, Rangers are still basking in their win over Celtic.
If you offered Rangers fans either Solanke or that Celtic win, barely a person would’ve chosen the former. But did the club’s drive to succeed in the latter stop them from getting both?
Whilst Steven Gerrard was readying his troops for a must-win game against their rivals, Solanke was debating a move. The introduction of several Premier League clubs into the mix for his signature was ongoing.
Rangers, however, weren’t interested in progressing their interest for the time being. They had a huge couple of matches that they were focusing on last week, and got four points out of six. To sum up, it was an extremely healthy return for their hard work.
Yet, Solanke was reportedly interested in a move to Ibrox. The idea of having Gerrard as his manager must’ve weighed on his mind heading into January.
Unfortunately, however, Rangers just stood still while the Premier League vultures circled and nabbed him away.
The club were right to keep quiet ahead of Celtic game
It’s by no means Rangers’ fault. They took the right action in preparing thoroughly for the Celtic game. A saga involving a player who isn’t even involved at the club wouldn’t have been great for prep.
Despite him being one of Rangers’ biggest targets heading into January, the club have ultimately had to miss out on him. Could things have been so different had they made a move earlier? It certainly must be a question Gerrard will be asking himself heading into a huge few weeks of negotiations.
Of course, there are also decent alternatives out there. Rangers have been linked with several other strikers such as Fran Sol and Tom Eaves.
Solanke will likely prove to be a hit at Palace. He’s one Rangers will be disappointed they missed out on. He could’ve been a real game-changer up here, and would’ve netted for fun alongside Alfredo Morelos.
If the club had approached things differently, perhaps they would’ve gotten their man. Then again, who’s to say they would’ve also gotten the win over Celtic too?
Supporters will just be hoping that missing out on him doesn’t prove costly in the long-run.
