OPINION
One of the stranger deals of the summer transfer window saw born and bred Scot David Bates leave Rangers on a free transfer to head to second tier German side Hamburg.
Admittedly for the centre back, his new team were battling for survival in the top flight when he agreed to join but despite their relegation he has enjoyed a bright start to life on the European continent with 10 league appearances to help the northern team to the top of the table.
His loss will have been a disappointment to everyone at Ibrox, where he was from between 2016 to the summer, who would have had high hopes for a bright future in Glasgow, but it appears the player himself is not looking back – and that should be a worry for Steven Gerrard.
The 22-year-old has made some huge claims about the quality of Scottish football in comparison to what he is experiencing in Germany, and the fact he is still talking to a number of current stars at the Gers while on international duty will have the manager sweating over other players choosing to make the same decision and seal a shock exit.
Bates told the Scottish Sun: “I’m a Rangers fan and I think it’s great what they are doing. I still speak to a couple of the boys and when I was with the Under-21s I caught up with Ross McCrorie and roomed with Glenn Middleton the last time.
“It has been brilliant, probably the best decision I could have made. I’m playing at the highest level week in, week out. The football is very technical and I’m learning a different side of the game. It was the right decision. The Bundesliga 2 is a better league than Scotland. Every team is competitive and you go away to grounds and it’s a sell-out.
“You’re up against different types of players and every team is tactically switched on. I feel like I’m learning so much.I’d totally recommend it. To step out of your comfort zone and learn your trade somewhere else is the best thing I could have done.”
Those are some massive claims from the central enforcer and if he is recommending a move away from Ibrox to those currently under Gerrard, will the Light Blues face a mini exodus any time soon?
Bates is the man who has proven the grass can be greener on the other side and that is not what the Glasgow giants want to be hearing.
They would much rather see their former man admit his homesickness and that it was an error to move away, for it would help convince those who might be angling for a switch to stay put.
Now, things are up in the air, and Gerrard will be hoping none of Bates’ former teammates, or even the new arrivals, are listening.