The transfer rumours are now up and running ahead of the January transfer window in just two months’ time.
It seems almost like yesterday that clubs were finalising their summer squads. Yet, almost what feels like instantaneously, the mid-season transfer window is nearly upon us.
The first of the rumours have already been released. James Tavernier is once again interesting West Brom. This comes despite two rebuffed approaches from the Championship side in the summer.
Steven Gerrard paid no attention to the bids in the 0ff-season. He was quick to reject them and ensure that Rangers’ best players stayed at Ibrox to kick-start his tenure.
Now, with January creeping upon us, that has to be the train of thought once more or else they could end up like their rivals.
January awaits
Celtic had a miserable summer window. They lost the likes of Patrick Roberts, Stuart Armstrong, and Moussa Dembele without adequately replacing them. Granted, the Parkhead side raked in plenty of money for it, but it harmed them early on.
Rangers’ financial troubles have been well documented for years, but finally the club seems to have found a bit of off-field stability. Transfer windows should be looked at as an opportunity to grow some stability on the pitch. Losing their best players to make a quick buck should no longer be necessary.
The club, therefore, cannot be looking into selling the likes of Tavernier without plenty of due diligence being done on potential replacements. The difference between both Rangers and Celtic is the fact that Celtic had the quality in their squad to sell those players and still impress domestically.
Do Rangers have that same luxury at the moment? Probably not. Losing the likes of Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos would take far too much out of the squad. Even their replacements would have to be terrific in order for the losses not to be detrimental.
There’s no guarantee, therefore, that a similar transfer window to what Celtic had in January wouldn’t be disastrous. Rangers are likely to keep quiet and allow the rumour mill to get going. Their best players will attract interest over January, that much is certain.
Right now, however, the club are at a delicate stage in Gerrard’s tenure. They have to ensure they come out of January stronger than they went in. If they don’t, then it’s going to be a long final five months of the campaign.
