Rangers will probably be looking to address an issue that isn’t urgent but needs attention in the summer with the left centre-half role that Filip Helander can only claim to have been first-choice for a constant source of debate.
After leaving Ibrox in the summer when his contract expired, the big Swede has managed to reach double figures in terms of games for the first time in two years but faces another uncertain future.
According to Fabrizio Romano, he has received and offer from Anderlecht after regaining his place in Sweden’s team but should Rangers entertain bringing Filip Helander back to the club to join Philippe Clement’s squad?
Rangers should avoid romantic reunion with Filip Helander
There is, and never has been, any doubting of the 30-year old’s ability.
He was a key reason why our Old Firm record was so good before and during the title success of 2021.
His positional sense was always better than any other defender we had and his 6fft 3inch tall frame was handy in either box.
What really stood out for Filip Helander for Rangers though was how he had almost zero regard for his own body when it came to blocking shots.
He wasn’t the type to turn his back.
With his contract expiring at Danish side Odense, Helander now has a decision to make after previously suggesting that a return to Ibrox wouldn’t be knocked back:
“I’ve only signed a one-year deal at Odense. They weren’t certain whether I’d be fit or not. So it was a good place to hopefully get game time.
“Could I come back to Rangers for free next summer? You never know. I always look for Rangers’ results and watch games when I can but they usually clash with Odense’s matches. I like to have a close look at the scores or how they’re playing.
“I loved Glasgow and have fantastic memories. My last year at Rangers was a struggle but it felt incredible to be back playing for Sweden again. I’ve always felt I still had a lot of good football in me.”
According to Romano, Anderlecht have made an offer to Odense to sign the towering stopper in this window and, given his injury history, you’d expect Filip Helander to postpone any thoughts of a move to Rangers and head to Belgium.
It’s great to see him playing again, and playing well but, his body has suffered more than most footballers in the last few years with the next lay-off only a matter of time away.
Add this to the even more congested fixture list and the need for more physically robust players and Gers boss Philippe Clement will be, rightly, staying well clear of Helander.
At a time when we need quality players who we can rely on, someone who managed just over 60 games in four seasons does not fall into that category.
