Keith Jackson explains why Rangers should be all in for ‘classy’ Luke Graham as transfer race heats up
Keith Jackson has more than one reason to believe as to why Rangers should push hard to secure the signing of Dundee FC’s Luke Graham after recent links.
The Bears are interested in Steven Pressley’s star defender at Dens Park, but know they may have competition to bring him to Ibrox.
Danny Rohl could be very thin in the defensive department heading into the summer transfer window with multiple players returning to their parent clubs and contracts expiring.
It makes Rangers‘ interest in Graham make sense, but the 49ers may have a long list of potential centre-back options for the Gers to target.
However, Jackson is under the impression that if Rohl were to land the 22-year-old, he would be instantly upgrading the Bears’ backline.
Keith Jackson says Celtic and Rangers ‘should’ try Luke Graham transfer
Rangers fans have been happy to see the fresh link to the centre-half, who impressed earlier in the season at Ibrox, despite his side losing 3-0.
Graham played the full match and was arguably let down by the defenders around him in the match, and he may have felt hard done by due to his own performance.
Graham’s stats vs Rangers in 3-0 loss at Ibrox last month:
- Pass accuracy: 68/78
- Ground duels won: Three
- Accurate long balls: Six
- Aerial duels won: Two
Celtic have also been linked with the young defender who Portsmouth had a bid rejected in the winter window, for a reported £1milllion fee.
While speaking on the Daily Record’s Hotline Live, Jackson listed several reasons why both the Hoops and Rangers should both be trying to sign Graham in the summer.
Jackson said: “I think Celtic and Rangers should both be looking at him if I’m being honest, there are still the rules in terms of homegrown players to bear in mind for European football too.
He has been really, really impressive this season, classy, composed for such a young kid. Physically really impressive and commanding, it’s no surprise to me why Dundee turned down a lowball offer from Portsmouth.”
The fact that Emmanuel Fernandez could be Rohl’s only fit centre-back come June is also another big reason why they need to push for Graham.
Graham vs John Souttar stat comparison
John Souttar is one of the Gers’ stars out of contract at the end of this season, and his performances have drawn mixed reactions from supporters at Ibrox.
The 49ers and Rohl will have to sit down and discuss whether to give the 29-year-old new terms, and it could depend heavily on his contributions from now until the end of the campaign.
| Player | Interceptions per 90 | Tackles per 90 | Dribbled past per 90 | Average rating |
| Luke Graham | 1.2 | 1.4 | 0.4 | 7.02 |
| John Souttar | 0.4 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 7.36 |
As highlighted by Sofascore, Souttar boasts a considerably higher average rating than Graham, but it requires context. The Rangers man is playing for a team that rarely concedes and has the help of high-quality players around him who contribute to keeping clean sheets.
Graham excels over Souttar in most defensive areas, which proves this point, as he could be a really shrewd signing that doesn’t draw too much hype.
For more Rangers reaction and analysis, head to Football Insider to check out the latest transfer updates.