New Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has issued an optimistic message towards the Gers fans concerning the possible transfer of exciting Roma forward Umar Sadiq.
Gerrard has been aggressive to this point, already bringing in seven key signings that have strengthened the Gers weakest areas, particularly the defence.
However, the former Liverpool captain has hinted that there could be transfer movement concerning Sadiq in the near future, teasing the Gers fans by stating ‘watch this space’.
“At the moment he is still a Roma player but it has been well documented that I am a fan, but it’s just a case of watch this space,” said Gerrard, as quoted by Sky Sports News.
“It is difficult to say whether it will be done before the first leg [of Europa League qualifying on Thursday], but we will be doing more business.”
Sadiq scored five goals in 12 appearances while on loan at Dutch side NAC Breda last season and his known for his physical style of play and his rapid pace.
He will be the first striker signed up by Gerrard this summer.
OPINION
This is certainly an interesting development, and Gerrard has all but confirmed that the club are negotiating with the player about the deal. As is the case with most transfers, the manager is playing his cards extremely close to his chest. The addition of Sadiq would be a marquee signing, and one that would certainly get the fans excited. The Roma striker would likely give fierce competition to Alfredo Morelos, but it must be noted that his stature is completely different to that of the Colombian, so the two would likely play in slightly different roles. It certainly is a happy place up at the Ibrox at the moment, after Gerrard’s unit looked convincing in their 6-0 dismantling of Bury on Friday evening, and the mass amount of quality incomings, there seem to be brighter days just on the horizon. Sadiq himself has also hinted at a Rangers move, as the Scottish Sun reports that the striker recently followed the Glasgow club on instagram, giving reason to believe that he is doing his homework on the club. Sadiq’s presence in the team would greatly increase the Gers chances of silverware this season, but also further add to the likelihood that Gerrard qualifies for Europe, which would be massive for the club.