Rangers had a real lack of creativity and numbers from midfield under Steven Gerrard and signing Ryan Gauld seemed like an obvious decision after starring in Portugal.
The 27-year old attacking midfielder took time to settle in the Liga NOS when he left Dundee United but rediscoverd the form that saw him once dubbed the “baby Messi” at Farense.
Deciding to move to MLS was an unexpected career choice given his age and other offers but, with just a year left on his Vancouver Whitecaps contract, Rangers should be keeping an eye on Ryan Gauld’s future plans.
Quality Scottish born and developed players are hard to come by, the ones that are and are key figures in the national team would cost a fortune too.
For perspective, even Lyndon Dykes would cost more than any of the forwards we have been linked with so far this summer.
Why Rangers should have Ryan Gauld on their watchlist
In Gauld, there is a player similar to Todd Cantwell.
Gifted in possession, a skilled passer of the ball but also a player who can chip in with goals too.
That he takes a fine set-piece with his cultured left-foot is also a bonus.
His skillset is no better demonstrated than in his last performance.
Two assists and a goal against Jose Cifuentes’s Los Angeles FC saw the Aberdeen-born midfielder lead his side to all three points and a reminder that he is still a player Rangers should be monitoring.
An inch-perfect inswinging corner, a precision clipped cross, followed by a calm finish for the winner is an example of what Gauld can do.
He has the versatility that Michael Beale looks for in a player and could be a real asset in the future, especially on a free transfer or cut-price deal in 2024.
In the current Rangers set-up, he could play as either a number eight or any of the three positions behind a central striker.
Shopping on a budget is never easy, so is trying to identify Scottish players to meet UEFA’s quota.
Rangers maybe didn’t move for Ryan Gauld when he left Portugal but they should certainly be trying to get to the front of the queue to bring him home.
