The first thing that came to mind, when reports emerged suggesting that Rangers could raid their cross-border namesakes Queens Park Rangers for Chris Willock during the summer window, is that this is a transfer that simply makes sense.
Willock is a player known and admired by Mick Beale, having produced some of the best football of his career during the first few months of the current campaign under the now-Ibrox boss.
And even if QPR do trigger the 12-month extension clause in Willock’s contract, the former Arsenal youngster could still be snapped up for a bargain fee, his current deal expiring in a matter of months.
Rangers have already enjoyed success this year when signing Championship talent on a reduced terms; Todd Cantwell making a big impact following his January arrival from Blackburn Rovers.
And there is also the Malik Tillman factor to consider.
Could QPR’s Chris Willock be Rangers’ next Malik Tillman?
The Bayern Munich loanee has been one of Rangers’ star performers this term, scoring 12 goals, setting up five more and proving himself to be a genuine match-winning talent at Premiership level. But the £5 million fee required to turn Tillman’s short-term deal into a permanent transfer may also be a little on the expensive side.
Especially with Beale hoping to bring in further additions in goal, at the back, out wide and up front too. An outstanding prospect Tillman may be; can Rangers really afford to spend £5 million on one player during a summer when at least five first-team additions may be required?
“It’s not just about ability, it’s about the transfer fee. And for me there is another thing; I am not sure the boy maybe wants to stay. I don’t know if he will fancy Scottish football,” former Gers striker Kenny Miller tells Go Football Radio.
“The novelty of representing Celtic and Rangers wears off for some players. It’s not just all the glamour of Champions League when representing Celtic and Rangers.
“(Tillman could say) ‘I am a Bayern Munich player, could I go back and impact somebody in the Bundesliga?’”
Is Rangers’ interest in Willock – via the Daily Record – a sign that the Glasgow giants are putting contingency plans in place should Tillman opt against staying in Scotland? Willock, like the USA international, does his best work in an advanced, attacking midfield role; using his quick feet, appreciation of space and eye-catching creativity to excellent effect.
Chris Willock is ‘an incredible talent’
“He’s an incredible talent,” QPR skipper Stefan Johansen said of a man who contributed 11 assisst in the Championship during an outstanding 2021/22 campaign. “If he stills humble and works hard, he can go to the next level.”
Beale agrees.
“He is an excellent player. We are very, very fortunate to have him. He can go and play at the next level,” Beale told West London Sport after Willock scored a ‘wonderful goal’ during a 2-0 triumph over Millwall.
“I think he has as much talent as nearly everyone I have worked with. He can go again. I don’t think we are seeing the full level of Chris Willock.”
Beale was open about his desire to keep pushing the one-time West Brom and Benfica youngster, in order to make his transition to the ‘next level’ a reality. And while the player clearly left quite the impression on his coach, the admiration is a two-way street. The Daily Record add that 25-year-old Willock is ‘eager’ to reunite with Beale at Ibrox.
Tillman will not be easily replaced. And, who knows, he might not need to be anyway. But, if Tillman does depart, it’s hard to think of a more inspired replacement than Chris Willock.
