James McFadden claims Rangers could decide to sell Alfredo Morelos
Sky Sports pundit James McFadden reckons this summer could be the perfect time for Rangers to sell Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos.
The 25-year-old has been linked with Porto all summer, forcing manager Steven Gerrard to comment on his future, with the Light Blues boss insisting he does not know what the future holds [Sky Sports].
McFadden believes Rangers could be keen on moving Morelos on and bringing in a replacement as it would not affect them.
The former Everton forward said on Sky Sports’ Scottish Football podcast: “For me, they’ve got it right so far. It will just be about deciding who they let go of. Last season, it was: ‘Can they keep a hold of Ryan Kent, can they keep a hold of Alfredo Morelos?’
“Last year the perception was that Rangers needed to keep Morelos to stop Celtic winning 10 in a row.
“But right now, I think Rangers could decide they could move him on, bring someone in, and it wouldn’t impact them as much as it would have last season. I’m not saying his time is up, but maybe it’s the right time for him to go.”
Tricky decision
Morelos has been of faithful service to Rangers over the last four seasons, scoring 94 goals across all competitions and becoming the record holder for most goals scored (23) in European competitions.
Gerrard was proud of him after he set the record, telling Rangers TV he is “a top-class player and a top-class goalscorer.”
We really could do with his services should we qualify for the Champions League group stages, but it seems the Colombian is keen on leaving.
We have not seen any hint to imply so, but the fact that he decided not to cut short his extended break, return to Scotland earlier in order to leave quarantine on time to train and play in the qualifiers speaks volumes.
Every player wants to play in the European elite competition, and a lot would have gladly picked returning to their club ahead of schedule over holidaying.
Morelos will not be at Ibrox forever, and should he remain beyond this summer, he is likely to be on his way next year.
Rangers would do fine without him once a capable striker is brought in as a replacement, and we are sure the club will get it right.
We should not keep any player against his wishes, and should ‘El Bufalo’ wants out, he should be allowed to leave a hero.
In other Rangers news, player wants Ibrox return in future after 2020 exit, insists he is good enough.