Former Rangers striker Jermain Defoe could generate a financial windfall for the Ibrox side in the near future, as his relationship with Alfredo Morelos has been key in bringing out the best in the Colombian.
Morelos had shown why Rangers brought him to the club in 2017 as he scored 18 goals for the side during the whole campaign, yet better was still to come.
When Steven Gerrard signed Jermain Defoe in January 2019, the club was in need of an experienced frontman, and the Englishman fitted the bill perfectly.
What no one knew at the time though was the decision to bring him in would allow Morelos to further develop and learn from one of the finest strikers of his generation.
Jermain Defoe helped develop Alfredo Morelos into the player he is today
Defoe’s record at Ibrox speaks for itself, scoring 32 goals in 74 matches for the club was a solid return for someone who was approaching the end of their playing days.
The relationship he developed with Morelos will probably be valued more than those 32 goals, especially if the club manages to sell the Colombian for northwards of £20m, and with his current form, that’s the fee we should be looking for.
Under Defoe, Morelos found a tutor, someone who could teach him all there is to know about playing the centre forward role well, and the fruitful relationship looks like it has paid dividends thus far.
Under Gerrard, Defoe was combining his playing role with a coaching opportunity, passing on his knowledge to anyone at the club who wanted to learn, and this would have been invaluable to the youngsters.
When Giovanni van Bronckhorst was announced as manager, it was revealed that Defoe would be focussing on the playing side of things as the Dutchman brought in his own coaching staff, yet this didn’t work out. Defoe only managed one appearance under Gio.
The Rangers faithful have wished the player well as he moves on from Ibrox, lets hope he still has some goals left in him.
Meanwhile, Rangers face stiff competition from a Premier league side for a highly rated Spanish talent.