Rangers could repeat Michael Beale Sam Lammers mistake with Joe Gelhardt transfer
It is not a secret that Rangers and Philippe Clement need a new number nine during the January transfer window if they want to pip Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title.
In the first half of the campaign, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo and Kemar Roofe have shown that they are not capable of being that consistent presence at the top end of the pitch to score 20 goals a season for the Light Blues.
Between the three of them, they have only managed to score 11 league goals in Rangers opening 20 Premiership matches, albeit Danilo and Roofe’s issues have mainly been staying fit enough to contribute to the cause.
Although it is only the early stages of the midseason window, Rangers have been linked with a number of different forward options, ranging from the obvious to the obscure, however, the latest name referenced has come as a bit of a shock.
The Daily Mail reported on Monday (8 January) that the Light Blues were interested in signing Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt during the January transfer window, alongside Old Firm rivals Celtic.
While speculation surrounding a new forward arrival should excite supporters, this feels like the sort of move that could see Rangers fall into the same old trap as there is little evidence to suggest that Gelhardt would finally be the consistent source of goals the Light Blues need.
The 21-year-old has shown plenty of promise during his short career so far but has never managed to find the net regularly, with his best career tally being three goals in a Championship season, during a loan spell with Sunderland.
This season, the Leeds forward has only managed to score once in eight appearances in all competitions, that only strike coming in a Carabao Cup clash with League One side Shrewsbury Town.
Rangers have already taken one risk this January with the signing of Fabio Silva. The Wolves loanee has never been prolific in front of goal, but the Light Blues have backed the Portuguese striker to discover his touch again in Glasgow.
However, it would be naive of the Gers and Clement to repeat that gamble again with Gelhardt during such a crucial transfer window.
If Rangers make this addition this month, it will almost be as if they are repeating Michael Beale’s mistake of signing Sam Lammers as well as Dessers this summer on a cheaper level.
Clement doesn’t need more forwards who can’t score goals and adding Gelhardt to his ranks comes with the risk of potentially getting a new, younger, cheaper but just as ineffective Lammers.
In other Rangers news, Kris Boyd has shared his verdict on the signing of Fabio Silva at Ibrox this January