In Steven Gerrard’s first season in charge of Rangers, the prospect of signing one then Liverpool talent on loan dominated much of the transfer speculation [Scottish Sun].
Dominic Solanke, then a 21-year-old forward with ambitions to break into the England squad, was reportedly a Rangers target in a story which produced reams of digital and newspaper content.
His prospective signing was lauded as potentially the marquee move of the Gerrard revolution, an England prospect of the highest level strutting his stuff at Ibrox.
But that summer Liverpool opted to retain Solanke – whilst Ryan Kent did move to Govan – with the striker hoping to break into Jurgen Klopp’s side.
A move to Bournemouth beckoned in January where the Vitality Stadium club shelled out a whopping £17m to bring him across the Premier League [Guardian].
However, Solanke’s start to life at Bournemouth didn’t quite go as planned, the striker failing to score in 10 appearances in season 18/19 and netting only three goals in 32 Premier League games in 19/20 as the Cherries were relegated from the division.
But despite a tumultuous start to life at Bournemouth, Solanke is now a striker reborn and is leading the club’s charge to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Solanke, now 23, netted the winner for Bournemouth as they made it five victories on the bounce courtesy of a 2-1 win over Huddersfield.
That means the forward has now hit 14 goals for the club in the Championship this season and laid on a further nine, meaning the England cap has 23 goal contributions this campaign.
So whilst Solanke might’ve missed a unique opportunity with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers for one reason or another, his career finally appears to be getting back on track south of the border.
Whilst links to Solanke might be years old, there are some new reports suggesting Rangers have watched a £5m-rated striker down south but face some stiff competition for his signature.
