Renato Tapia of Feyenoord in action during the UEFA Champions League match back in 2017. (Getty Images)
According to Voetbal International (h/t Daily Record), Rangers are interested in out-of-contract Feyenoord midfielder Renato Tapia.
The 24-year-old Peruvian’s current deal at the Eredivisie club has expired. However, Tapia will not be extending his stay at the De Kuip, thereby attracting the interest of clubs such as Rangers and Celtic.
Having switched from rivals FC Twente for a sum of around €2.5million back in January 2016, Tapia is an experienced customer with 92 Eredivisie matches under his belt.
If not a regular, Tapia has always been a key player for Feyenoord due to his ability to play in a variety of defensive roles for the Rotterdam-based side. A defensive midfielder by trade, Tapia is also comfortable slotting in as a centre-back, thereby proving his worth in the Feyenoord line-up
So far, he has made 69 appearances for them and has two goals and four assists to his name. Tapia played 24 matches for Feyenoord this season and also contributed to his side with three assists, giving a clear idea of his potential.
Despite being young, Tapia has already played 53 times for his national side and has scored three goals till now. He also made two appearances in the 2018 World Cup and was integral in Peru’s run to the 2019 Copa America final against Brazil.
Having proved himself at the highest level for both club and country, and considering his contract situation, Scottish side Rangers have now come to the forefront to secure his signature.
Rangers, on the other hand, have enjoyed another successful spell under manager Steven Gerrard which has seen the Glasgow side finish second in the Scottish Premiership.
Despite their performances improving with time, they haven’t been able to topple rivals Celtic’s dominance in the domestic league.
Bringing in a player like Tapia, therefore, may help strengthen Rangers in their pursuit of emerging as the best team in Scotland. Moreover, Gerrard’s side do not have too many options in the defensive midfield role.
They just have Glen Kamara and Andy Halliday in that position. Kamara still remains Gerrard’s undisputed No.1 choice in that role, considering his 19 league appearances for them this term. Gerrard is unimpressed by Halliday too, who has just six league games to his name.
That said, Tapia’s inclusion will provide competition to Kamara for a starting role, which, in turn, will bring the best out of them and thereby help Rangers. Hence, they should sign the Peruvian as soon as possible.
In Tapia, Rangers have a utility player who can play in a variety of defensive roles. Hence, he could prove to be a valuable asset for them in the coming days. Moreover, he is still young and can develop further under Gerrard. His arrival will also give Gerrard plenty of options considering the fact that Rangers do not have too much depth in the defensive midfield role.
