It often seems like an English Premier League player who is known to be a childhood supporter of one half of the Old Firm is destined to be linked with a move as soon as their top-level career winds down.
According to Belfast Telegraph, Steven Davis is the latest to be linked with a move to Rangers. The Northern Irishman has already played for Rangers in the past but left for Southampton in 2012. Now, the midfielder is being touted as a potential January signing by Steven Gerrard, having fallen out of favour at his current club (h/t Belfast Telegraph).
Davis has been a consistent presence in the centre of Southampton’s team for six seasons but he is 33. As a result, manager Mark Hughes has chosen to use younger legs like Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse in his engine room.
Accordingly, Davis has appeared a mere 3 times in all competitions during this campaign so far. Having entered the final year of his current contract with Southampton, everything seems primed for Davis to play for his boyhood club again.
Davis’ potential reappearance wouldn’t be without contention though. He was undoubtedly a success on the pitch, winning the league title in his first three seasons with the club. He won two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups and was a key part of Walter Smith’s team which shockingly reached the UEFA Cup Final in 2008.
Davis was, however, one of several players to exercise their right to rescind his contract after Rangers plunged into liquidation in 2012, becoming a free agent.
The Gers lost out on any potential transfer fee in the process and that could have left a bitter taste among the supporters. However, it must be noted that Kyle Lafferty has since been welcomed back despite doing the same with his contract.
Gerrard should not be put off by the player’s age since Davie Weir’s success after joining Rangers at 36 is a prime precedent that age is but a number. The squad, however, is packed with midfield options. Lassana Coulibaly and Ryan Jack have been able performers in central midfield, with Graham Dorrans and Jordan Rossiter not featuring much due to injury problems.
While they have surprised with their successes in the Europa League this season, Davis’ experience and knowledge could be significant in helping Gerrard navigate his team up the Scottish Premiership league table. He’s a proven winner and this fact could prove vital in guiding Gerrard’s youthful players through tight and fraught games.
