Although there are a few first-team players out of contract at the end of this season, such as Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield, the most important task facing Giovanni van Bronckhorst is to tie down Alfredo Morelos to a long-term deal as soon as he can.
Morelos has been key to Rangers this season under Gio, scoring eight goals as the team was rejuvenated following the Dutchman’s appointment, having stagnated in the embryonic stages of their title defence.
The Colombians deal expires next summer, but if the manager doesn’t sort out a long-term contract, then this coming summer may be a difficult one. Although Gio has spoken to the media prior to the Wednesday evening match against Hibs and claimed that “Contract wise, somewhere this season talks will begin.” [Rangers] in what is promising news.
Alfredo Morelos is vital to Rangers as Gio needs to act fast
There has been some recent interest in Morelos of late, with Newcastle linked with the 25-year-old at the start of January [ScottishSun], with Turkish giants Fenerbache also keen on making a late January move for him as they were willing to pay a derisory £7m [Scotsman].
We can comfortably say that Rangers are a bigger club than both these teams, and it will take a much more improved offer than £7m for the Ibrox side to even think about negotiating.
The input of the striker is massively important, in the matches against Livingston, Ross County, and Celtic, he was sorely missed.
The moment he comes back into the side following international duty (or lack of), he scores twice and helps the Gers to an outstanding rout of Hearts.
This isn’t a coincidence, van Bronckhorst has gotten the striker back to his goalscoring best and this form needs to be rewarded with a new deal.
The worst thing the club can do is let his contract dwindle down and someone signs him on the cheap. Who knows, new contract news might be a catalyst for players such as Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent to also sign long-term deals.
On the topic of Morelos, the striker is walking a suspension tightrope ahead of the crucial tie against Hibs on Wednesday.
