The Rangers injury to Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos may prove a double-edged sword this summer as the likes of Premier League strugglers Everton hunt for new striking options.
The Toffees have been linked with a move for Alfie throughout the striker’s Rangers career – most recently in January – and plenty might be wondering if Frank Lampard’s side ever considered a move this summer.
With Alfredo Morelos entering the final year of his Rangers contract, the Ibrox club are in a situation where if an appropriate offer lands they may well be forced to take it.
But so far there hasn’t been any major interest from down south and this may perhaps be related to the striker’s injury problems over the course of this year.
Returning to action, and the scoresheet, in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock, this was Alfredo Morelos’ first Rangers game for five months.
Did Alfredo Morelos Rangers injury turn likes of Everton off?
That injury had a devastating impact on Rangers both domestically and in Europe, as the Ibrox side lost their grip on the Scottish Premiership title and went into the Europa League Final without a recognised striker.
There is a prominent school of thought that things on both fronts might have been different had Alfie been available and given the striker’s presence in the squad it’s hard to argue against it.
But conversely, the fact Morelos has been injured means that teams may not be so willing to take a punt on him in this window as he works his way back to fitness.
This could be why Everton – who’ve lost their opening two Premier League matches including one against former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard – have hesitated on any move for the player.
According to the Sun, the likes of £15m-rated Rennes striker Serhou Guirassy is on the club’s shortlist but nothing is concrete as they head into the final few weeks of the window.
This is the sort of fee that could get Rangers fans nervous regarding Alfredo Morelos but alas Everton appear to be turning their attentions elsewhere.
So whilst Rangers fans might rue Morelos’ absence at the end of last season, a lack of transfer interest in the final year of his contract proves the striker’s injury could prove a double-edged sword.
Here’s the latest on the contract situation surrounding Alfredo Morelos and another key Ibrox first-teamer who is also now in the final year of his deal.
