Rangers now seem to be closing in on a deal to sign Kieran Dowell after Norwich announced the 25-year-old’s departure.
The Daily Record believe the Englishman has already agreed to sign a three-year contract at Ibrox following talks with Michael Beale.
As Dowell closes in on a move to Rangers, it is worth revisiting some old comments from Leighton Baines to highlight just how successful he could prove to be.
Rangers are signing a gem in Kieran Dowell
Well, Baines – a Premier League icon – rates Dowell highly, and once called him a “great footballer” as many at Everton expected big things.
Unfortunately, the attacking midfielder struggled to make it at Goodison Park, largely due to a number of expensive signings arriving in his position who ultimately received preferential treatment, such as Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen.
Nevertheless, Baines had plenty of confidence in Dowell, which bodes well for Rangers as a fresh start awaits him in Glasgow.
The Everton legend told BBC Sport: “He has got exceptional ability, great footballer. They were trying to blood him into the team. Ronald Koeman was trying to bring him in, and he was a great footballer, but perhaps just wasn’t quite ready.
“He has gone and flourished in the Championship, and I am sure he will come back ready.”
Dowell never made it at Everton – largely due to the chaotic approach to recruitment and the academy at Goodison Park – but their loss, and also Norwich’s loss, is now Beale’s gain at Rangers.
The Scottish giants are getting themselves a fantastic technician who is still yet to reach his prime years – at the age of just 25, there is plenty of time for Dowell to make an impact at Ibrox.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for an official announcement from Rangers, as the transfer window begins to heat up with the 2022/23 campaign now coming to an end.
