Michael Beale shouldn’t think twice about signing Auston Trusty as Rangers transfer news emerges
Rangers are interested in signing Arsenal loanee Auston Trusty after the American’s impressive spell on loan at Birmingham City, and Michael Beale could be looking at a potential masterstroke addition.
According to a report in the Daily Mail [8 May], the Gers are looking at the £2m signing of the American defender after a strong loan spell at St Andrew’s this season.
Trusty has been an ever-present for Birmingham making 47 appearances in all competitions, earning himself his first cap for the USMNT after proving a success with the Championship outfit.
His parent club Arsenal are believed to be open to negotiations this summer, according to the Scottish Daily Mail, leaving the door wide open for Beale to come in and secure his much-needed defensive addition for next season.
“Arsenal are believed to be open to negotiations and Trusty could be brought in to compete with Connor Goldson, Ben Davies and John Souttar for a place in the heart of Beale’s defence,” the Scottish Daily Mail wrote. [9 May, page 69]
The Gers have already reportedly wrapped up their first signing of what will be a hugely important summer for Rangers and Beale, securing the services of Kieran Dowell from Norwich City.
While plenty of the Gers’ focus will be on strengthening their attack, as a result of the inevitable departures of key players Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent, Beale will also be desperate to bolster his defensive options as his side have certainly crumbled in that department during the latter stages of this campaign.
Goldson and Davies have indeed formed a solid partnership throughout Beale’s stewardship, but Rangers will be deemed silly not to improve on their current options at the back.
In fact, Davies and Souttar have at times flattered to deceive, only looking capable with Goldson sitting next to them at the heart of the defence. When the experienced defender has been out of the team, the Gers have considerably struggled with Davies and Souttar struggling to impress Beale as a partnership.
In Trusty, Rangers have an ideal and perfect solution to address those concerning defensive frailties. The 24-year-old has enjoyed a sensational breakthrough campaign in Birmingham colours this season, forming the backbone of a largely solid defence in the Championship.
Helping them to 13 clean sheets this season, the American international also impressively averaged 1.5 interceptions, 2.3 tackles and a whopping 4 clearances per game, also winning 57% of his total duels, 59% of his ground duels and 56% of his aerial duels [via SofaScore] highlighting his capabilities as a terrific and effective no-nonsense defender.
With a centre-back position up for grabs and Arsenal open to negotiations for Trusty, this could be a deal worth pursuing.
Given Trusty’s qualities and readiness for the next level, Beale shouldn’t think twice about adding him to his defensive quota as an attractive partnership at the heart of the Rangers defence with Goldson could well be on the cards at Ibrox.
A move to Ibrox makes sense to all parties involved and would hopefully bolster the defensive ranks for Beale heading into next season.
The first-team squad is in major need of surgery this summer, and centre-back is arguably the highest on their priorities.
In other Rangers news, a £20million transfer budget has been mooted to complete all of the necessary business during the window.