Gordon Smith has suggested that Rangers should cash in on “liability” Alfredo Morelos amid concerns about the centre-forward’s disciplinary record.
Morelos, 22, may have scored 20 goals this season, but the Colombia international has also been shown 11 yellow cards, sent off three times and has been the centre of major controversy in certain games.
Rangers’ former director of football Smith believes that Jermain Defoe’s arrival at Ibrox has potentially opened the door up for the Glasgow giants to sell Morelos, hinting that the club could make a tidy profit on a player they signed for just £1million in 2017.
“[Defoe] is a top-class striker, and the fact he has agreed to come north is another feather in the cap of manager Steven Gerrard,” Smith said on the Sunday Post website.
“Ally McCoist, one of Gerrard’s predecessors in the role, said it will be interesting to see if the move now opens the door for Alfredo Morelos to be sold on for big money.
“I agree entirely.
“With 20 goals and 10 assists to his credit, the Colombian is a potent attacking weapon.
“However, he is also a liability.”
He added: “As I’ve said here before, he needs help.
“If Rangers aren’t prepared to get it for him, then selling him on for big money may be the solution.”
OPINION
Sell Morelos? Is Smith having a laugh? Rangers are the closest they have been to Celtic in a long, long time and cashing in on their star player half way through the season would be idiotic. Morelos may have disciplinary issues but he is only 22-years-old. Does it matter that he is picking up a yellow card once in every three games when he is scoring in two of every three? Of course it doesn’t. Defoe’s arrival is a big boost for the Gers but it is no excuse to let players who are owned by the club to make way for a loanee. One thing Smith has got right here is that Defoe will be a quality signing for Rangers. The former England international oozes class and maybe his professionalism and experience can rub off on Morelos. Even if it doesn’t selling Morelos should only be an option if a huge offer is made for him – in the summer. Under no circumstances should Gerrard think about letting him go in January. It would ruin the club’s season.