With Glenn Middleton’s contract running out at the end of next season, now would be the perfect time to sign him up.
Ironically, that’s because Ryan Kent is performing so well to keep him out of the side. The on-loan Liverpool man is in terrific form, and won’t be dropped anytime soon for his team-mate.
Yet, Middleton has already proved that he could be a big star at Ibrox in recent weeks. Impressive displays against Villarreal, Dundee, and Ayr United don’t make a player, but they show potential. Rangers should now strike and sign up that potential whilst things have quietened down.
It’s fine to come out and say that because there’s still nearly two years on his contract that there’s plenty of time left. The truth is, the longer Rangers leave him without a future sorted, the more dangerous this game becomes.
You simply don’t want a player as talented as Middleton to get anywhere near the last year of his contract. All of a sudden, his agent would be on speed dial looking to make sure there will be offers for him after Rangers. That’s the last thing anyone at Ibrox wants.
Lack of game-time = perfect moment to sign him up
Meanwhile, with Kent performing so well, Middleton can go back into the shadows and continue developing without the media attention. It would be the perfect time to get him signed up at Ibrox for the long-term.
If Rangers continue to wait before signing him up whilst either playing him or sending him out on loan, there could be trouble. This is a player that’s going to be explosive once he gets going. Leaving any contract negotiations until late on would be shooting yourself in the foot.
We’re at a stage in Steven Gerrard’s reign where he’s looking to lay foundations down for the future. Middleton can be one of those foundations. He has the talent, the energy, and the mentality to succeed in Glasgow. You can see how happy he is at the club and how much Gerrard rates him by his game-time alone.
It’s a no-lose situation for Rangers. If he doesn’t work out then he doesn’t work out, but it has to be given a go. Look at how much regret Rangers have over Billy Gilmour. Granted, the club did all they could do keep the now Chelsea star, but it still hurts to see such a talented youngster leave. That can’t be allowed to happen with Middleton.
With such a high demand for Kent, however, Middleton may not get the same exposure in the next few weeks or months ahead. If that’s the case, Gerrard should get his agent around the table make sure he sticks around so that we see his full potential.
