BBC Scotland pundit insists Rangers buy Kevin van Veen as ex-Scotland international blasts Cyriel Dessers
James McFadden and Derek Ferguson spoke about the possibility of Rangers signing former target Kevin van Veen, with the pair unhappy with Cyriel Dessers’ Ibrox career so far.
It is understood that Rangers had registered their interest in the 32-year-old last summer [Scottish Sun] but the forward did not fit the age profile that the club were looking for, instead choosing to sign Dessers for £4.5million from Cremonese.
The idea of signing van Veen in the January window sparked a conversation on the Open Goal podcast.
BBC Radio Scotland pundit, and former Rangers star, Ferguson commented, “I’d take him in a minute,” when speaking about van Veen, transcribed by Daily Record.
“I don’t understand why they never went in for him at the start of the season, but again that was Michael Beale. I think he’s good enough, he thinks he’s good enough and that’s the important thing.”
McFadden, a former Motherwell player, added, “From what I’ve seen, he’s better than Dessers.”
Last season, van Veen scored 20 goals in 33 Scottish Premiership matches for Motherwell, sparking interest from the Gers. However, the player ended up returning to the Netherlands, joining FC Groningen.
A simple decision in January
Ferguson described the signing of van Veen as a “no-brainer”, as Rangers cry out for an experienced goalscorer up front.
Dessers has scored just six goals in 22 appearances since his move from Serie A – a record nowhere near good enough for a club of Rangers’ prestige.
And with van Veen, despite such a stellar campaign last season, the Dutch forward has struggled so far at his new club, scoring just five goals in 14 appearances, so a move to the Ibrox may be too good an offer to turn down.
It is the wisdom and experience that comes with van Veen as well, however.
Van Veen scored 40 goals and assisted a further nine in his two seasons at Motherwell, proving his knowledge of the Scottish competitions, while his experience in League One and League Two with Scunthorpe United and Northampton Town showcases his adaptability to different leagues.
With Michael Beale gone, Philippe Clement may look to make additions to his attacking lineup in the January transfer window, as the Gers chase down Celtic for the league title and look to progress in the Europa League.
In other Rangers news, a Sky Sports pundit has been slammed over a “ridiculous” comment made ahead of the Gers’ trip to Aberdeen.