Gillingham have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United midfielder Matty Willock.
The 22-year-old joins the League One outfit on a two-year contract.
Last week, Football Insider reported he was a target for Rangers immediately following his release by United. It looked far-fetched at the time, but the statement announcing Willock’s signing claims victory over the Gers.
“Gillingham have fought off heavy competition to clinch the signature of former Manchester United youngster Matty Willock on a two-year permanent contract,” read the statement on Gillingham’s website.
“The club fended off interest from many teams, including Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, to sign the heavily rated United youngster who arrives with strong references, including from former United legend Nicky Butt.”
It’s an ambitious signing for Gillingham, who earlier this month
Surely Rangers weren’t genuinely after Willock?
However, with all due respect to them, if Rangers were genuinely interested, it’s unlikely Willock would have put pen to paper for the Gills so quickly.
A move to Ibrox would bring the opportunity to play in front of 50,000 every other week. Contrastingly, the Priestfield Stadium has a modest capacity of under 12,000. With Rangers, there’s the chance to play European football and to compete for trophies. Gillingham finished in the bottom half of the League One last season.
Furthermore, while their manager Steve Evans is a proven operator at EFL level, Willock surely wouldn’t have turned down the chance to work with Steven Gerrard.
He’s not the sort of player Rangers need to be after right now, either. The 22-year-old is inexperienced at senior level. Rangers also have plenty of midfielders already and there seems little chance they would take a risk on unproven talent.
Stevie G is focusing his efforts on recruiting at centre-back and at the top end of the pitch [Evening Times].
If he can add quality there, the Gers will be better prepared to launch an SPL title bid across 2019/20.
