According to Football Insider, Rangers are in the process of signing Jermain Defoe on a permanent deal in January. The striker is currently on loan from Bournemouth, and Steven Gerrard has plans to bring the 37-year-old to Ibrox until he finishes his career. An ideal scenario would see Defoe stay until the summer of 2021.
Interestingly, Defoe has told the Rangers hierarchy he is willing to discuss a drop in his Bournemouth salary to smooth negotiations.
The striker’s Cherries contract, which is said to be worth in excess of £100,000-a-week, expires next June, coinciding with the end of his 18-month loan at Ibrox.
Defoe is currently the third-highest top scorer in the Scottish Premiership this season with 10 goals. Only Alfredo Morelos and Odsonne Edouard have more goals than him with 11 each. But unlike Morelos, who averages a goal every 80 minutes, and Edouard, who averages a goal every 89 minutes, Defoe scores a goal every 59 minutes he plays in the league (BBC). But at such an age, why would Rangers be so keen to keep him at the club?
Would you be happy to see Defoe sign a permanent deal with Rangers until 2021?
Yes
No
TIF Tactics – Why do Rangers need Jermain Defoe?
With 23-year-old Morelos scoring goals for fun, fans may question the need to extend the ageing Defoe’s contract. What benefit does the club see in keeping the player? For one, he is the most clinical backup in the league. The statistics in the paragraph above showcase just how deadly Defoe is. Despite not seeing consistent football, he is still ruthless in front of goal.
This is important because, as was proven this weekend, Morelos won’t always be available for selection. The Colombian was sent off on the weekend after gesturing towards the Motherwell fans during his celebration. The red card will result in a suspension, with Defoe likely slotting into the spot up top as a direct replacement.
The next highest goal scorer in the league for the Gers this season is Ryan Jack with four (transfermarkt.co.uk). If Morelos is unavailable, and Defoe leaves, Rangers are missing an obvious goal scorer. The decision to extend his contract is a smart one. It is an inexpensive deal that will buy Rangers time to adequately replace the Englishman for when he leaves in 2021.