According to a report by Daily Record, Rangers have not given up on their pursuit of Martin Skrtel. The 33-year-old, who is currently playing for Fenerbahce, was a target for the Scottish Premiership outfit in the summer as well but a deal did not materialize (h/t Daily Record).
Now, with the winter transfer window up and coming, it looks like Steven Gerrard will make a renewed attempt to land him. But should the Gers continue their pursuit of Skrtel?
Gerrard played with Skrtel at Liverpool, meaning he shares a good rapport with the veteran centre-back. With bags of experience under his sleeve, the defender has made 16 appearances for the Istanbul giants this term, including Europa League group games.
However, the 101-time capped Slovakia international’s contract situation remains unresolved and he could become a free agent in the summer.
The opportunity to sign a player of his calibre for free does sound enticing but Gerrard must remember that he signed Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic and free agent Gareth McAuley on permanent contracts in the summer. He also secured a deal for Joe Worrall on loan.
Granted, Worrall will return to Nottingham Forest next summer but even in that case, perhaps Rangers should stay away from Skrtel and look for options elsewhere.
In the recent past, deals for the likes of Phillipe Senderos, Bruno Alves, Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar did not really work out for the Gers.
It is a common notion that the Scottish Premiership is a good place for players beyond 30 but truth be told, it is a competitive league with cut-throat rivalries, making it tough for ageing players to adjust to. And at 33, Skrtel might just prove to be another Alves situation.
Considering how strongly Rangers have played under Gerrard this term, they do seem set for greater things. And to achieve that, they must look for younger alternatives and avoid signing Skrtel even if it is for free.
Gerrard’s interest in him is understandable given their history and whatnot. But at this point, Rangers must plan for the future and look for long-term solutions instead of stop-gap remedies – particularly when it comes to a department as crucial as the defence.
