Luke Graham set to be regular Rangers starter as ‘sizeable’ bid imminent
Luke Graham is expected to be signed by Rangers as a player who will be a regular starter under Danny Rohl.
Gers have been linked with the Dundee FC star for the past few months, with his name clearly the heavy favourite to become the Light Blues’ first summer addition.
The centre-back has enjoyed a crucial role in Steven Pressley’s backline this campaign, earning interest from Rangers, Celtic, English Championship clubs, and Spanish outfits.
The 49ers are expected to back Rohl in what has been described as a “summer of change” in Glasgow, and defence is a key priority.
Rangers could lodge a bid for Graham very soon, as his signing would not be for the future, it would be for the now.
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Brian Reid expects Luke Graham to be regular Rangers starter
Dundee FC are braced to lose Graham this summer, with Rangers seemingly the frontrunners for the youngster’s signature.
Graham has impressed Gers and their Old Firm nemesis, Celtic, throughout this season, reaffirming his potential to become a top defender in the Scottish Premiership.
| Area of game | Stats |
| Games (starts) | 36 (35) |
| Clean sheets | 6 |
| Duels won | 66.7% |
| Aerial duels won | 70.3% |
| Pass accuracy | 80% |
Former Rangers legend Brian Reid thinks previously managed the 22-year-old at Albion Rovers, and knows that he will have what it takes to succeed at Ibrox.
Reid said, as quoted by the Daily Record on Friday: “If Luke does end up at Ibrox, he should be going there with the idea that he is going to be a starter.
“They’re going to have to pay some kind of fee for him. And if a club like that pays a sizeable chunk of money for you, they’re not doing that as a project. They’re doing it to actually play you.”
It’s clear that Graham is ready for first-team football, but some Gers fans would have concerns that he may not be able to live up to the Ibrox pressure like many other young signings.
How does Graham compare to Nasser Djiga?
Rangers’ entire backline could look different next season, with Nasser Djiga among other defenders set to return to their parent clubs following divisive loan spells in Glasgow.
Djiga had formed a defensive partnership with Emmanuel Fernandez, but assuming Gers keep their prized possession, Graham could be lining up next to the Nigerian defender next campaign.
Games played this season:
- Djiga: 25
- Graham: 41
Before the post-split fixtures, Graham was making 6.78 clearances per 90 compared to Djiga’s 5.33, while also having a 0.16 improved blocks per game ratio than the Wolves loanee.
The Scottish youngster was making 1.92 more accurate long balls per match than Djiga, with other defensive stats that prevailed.
However, he will have to prove his passing accuracy if he signs for the Bears, something that Djiga currently excels at over him with statistics.
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