Pedro Chirivella celebrates a victory for Liverpool (Getty Images)
According to the Transfer Window podcast (h/t Daily Record), Rangers have identified Liverpool youngster Pedro Chirivella as a summer transfer target.
The 22-year-old Chirivella currently plays for the Liverpool under-23 side and has made six appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s senior side this term. An academy graduate, the Spanish midfielder has so far featured 11 times for the Reds and has one assist to his name.
However, with the senior side already filled with an abundance of talent, Chirivella has found it difficult to break into the first-team.
Despite the side well stocked in the middle, Chirivella has still managed six appearances this term, giving a clear indication of the talent that he is. However, his current contract with the club is set to expire at the end of the season, and Rangers coach Steven Gerrard seems to be keen on securing his services.
A regular presence within the Liverpool reserve side, Chrivella also spent the 2017-18 season on loan at Eredivisie side Willem II in order to get more game time.
Despite still being a youngster, Chirivella impressed while on loan, making 35 appearances and giving four assists in total for the Dutch outfit. Having proved himself at the highest level already, there is no questioning the youngster’s talent.
Gerrard’s side could do with some young new faces if they wish to topple Celtic’s dominance in recent years.
At the moment, Rangers have two veterans – 31-year-old Scott Arfield and 35-year-old Steven Davis in the middle. Though their performances have been top-notch, Rangers can add some energy and pace to their attack by roping in a youngster like Chirivella.
Moreover, they just have two defensive midfielders – Glen Kamara and Andy Halliday. Kamara has been Gerrard’s first-choice man in the holding midfield role but Halliday has been far from impressive.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Chirivella could be a good addition to the side and can give Kamara some competition for a starting place. Considering all this, Chrirvella could indeed be a great addition to Gerrard’s Rangers squad as he could provide them the extra edge.
Despite Rangers midfield delivering the goods at the moment, their squad seems to be ageing and need established players for the future. Hence, Chirivella’s arrival will only make them stronger. Moreover, his versatility will offer Gerrard plenty of options in the middle as per the team’s requirements.