Why Gerrard’s interest in signing Umar Sadiq should get Rangers fans excited ahead of the new season

According to The Times, Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is interested in signing Umar Sadiq on a season-long loan. Gerrard was speaking at a training camp in southern Spain as Rangers continue preparations ahead of their Europa League clash with FK Shkupi, which will be Gerrard’s first competitive match.

Kaduna-born Sadiq spent the second-half of last season on loan at NEC Breda from parent club AS Roma. The 21-year-old striker scored five goals and assisted thrice in 12 Eredivisie games.

Excellent in playing defence-splitting through balls, Sadiq is great at holding onto the ball and boasts of excellent dribbling skills. He also contributes defensively and is a constant menace from indirect set-pieces and counter-attacks. All-in-all, Sadiq would add a new dimension to Rangers.

In the Eredivisie, the youngster averaged 0.58 goals every 90 minutes, with a Goal Above Average (GAA) of +0.203. At only 21, Sadiq has the potential of becoming a success story at Ibrox.

Despite not being good in the air due to his height, Sadiq would be a quality addition to a Rangers side that has already seen 7 new additions this summer. A poor first touch is another of his weaknesses but that should not be a problem. After all, great players like Sadio Mane have never enjoyed a good first touch.

In fact, this is a recurring problem with African players who generally don’t attend academies altogether or attend late in their careers. His offside awareness would also need to improve if he is to lead Gerrard’s charges next season.

Signing Sadiq, who is highly-rated, on loan would be a major step forward for the Gers. Sadiq ticks all the boxes; he is young, talented and has lots of potential, making him a great player for the club as they usher in a new era under Gerrard.

The leggy dribbler’s ability to drive at opposition defences will get Ibrox fans on the edge of their seats. Furthermore, his presence would help Rangers win knock-downs higher up the pitch and his all-around contribution would enable the Scottish outfit to capitalize on mistakes made by the opposition defenders.

Read more: Why this versatile West Ham starlet should join Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox revolution

In Sadiq, Ibrox fans can have something to be optimistic about heading into next season. In a system that suits him, the youngster can become a ruthless goal-machine. Make it happen Steven Gerrard; sign him even if it’s on a loan deal!