Rangers will be keeping tabs on right-backs as James Tavernier could leave the club for good this summer.
The Gers captain’s contract at Ibrox expires at the end of the season, and he looks no closer to signing an extension.
Tavernier and Rangers will make a decision on the defender’s future come the end of the season, as the focus now is on winning the league.
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Hampus Skoglund can be a long-term replacement for James Tavernier
Scottish Football Info journalist Josh Duncan has published a data-backed article to make the case for Hampus Skoglund to replace Tavernier in the summer.
The 22-year-old right-back is currently playing for Swedish club Hammarby and is the first choice for them.
Last season was said to be the best one of his career, and he has already drawn interest from EFL Championship outfit Wrexham.
Stig Inge Bjornebye’s expertise in the Scandinavian market could see Rangers looking to potentially explore the signing of Skoglund in the coming months.
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Much like Tavernier, the former Sweden Under-21s international likes to maraud forward, has solid physical attributes, and is also capable of picking out players inside the box with his crosses.
He also has the vision and the pace, making him a useful option down the right for the Ibrox outfit.
Defensively, there is a lot of room for improvement, but that should not be a worry, as he is only 22.
Duncan claims that his technique lets him down on occasion, but he is someone who likes to win the ball high up the pitch.
He wrote: “Skoglund is a modern full back in pretty much every sense. Incredibly talented in attack, great physical attributes and has questions defensively.
“Whether picking out a runner in behind or finding his team with a cross, Skoglund has really consistent execution.
“His weight of pass is excellent and he is very aware of his teammates movement.
“He also has the ability to ping those long cross field passes to players in space.
“He is always already in space or running into space – and he’s great at exploiting the movement of his teammates.
“Compared to his attacking talents, there is a lot more for Skoglund to work on going back the way.
“He has the physical ability to be a good defender but his technique in some situations lets him down.”
How much will Skoglund realistically cost Rangers?
Skoglund joined Hammarby from Frej on a free transfer in 2021 and, thus far, has not moved for a transfer fee.
However, he is reportedly worth £2m, and that value is likely to stay as he is on a long-term deal at the Swedish club.
The 22-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of the 2028/29 season, so Hammarby are under no pressure to cash in on him this summer.
That should not necessarily be a stumbling block for Rangers, especially if they feel he could be a long-term replacement for their captain.
