Having scored 76 goals in just 136 appearances for the club following his £1 million move from Finnish side HJK in 2017, it comes as little surprise that Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos is a name on the wish list of a number of clubs across Europe. The 23-year-old Colombian is certain to move to one of the continents major leagues at some point, however Gers boss Steven Gerrard has issued a “hands off” warning to those considering a bid during the current transfer window, with the former Liverpool man having chosen not to sell unless a “crazy” offer comes in. So, just why is Morelos so highly regarded north of the border?
Morelos has rarely been out of the headlines since he arrived at Parkhead, with the striker’s prowess in front of goal having sometimes been overshadowed by his disciplinary record. Morelos has been shown seven red cards during his time in Scotland, including in the closing stages of their recent win over fierce rivals Celtic. Only Odsonne Edouard has scored more goals than Morelos in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, with punters likely to be keeping a close eye on the duo for the remainder of the campaign as a result. Signing up with one of the leading UK betting websites and betting on the top goalscorer is an interesting bet because both Edouard and Morelos are sought after players in the January transfer window.
Morelos has fired Rangers to within touching distance of top spot, with Gerrard’s side finding themselves just two points behind rivals Celtic, with a game in hand. As a result, keeping hold of their star man is obviously a big priority for the club, who are looking to get one over on their rivals, with the Bhoys having won the title eight years in a row. Morelos is currently available to back at odds of 11/4 to finish as top goalscorer in Scotland, compared to Edouard, who is priced at 2/1.
Meanwhile, odds surrounding the title race are just as tight, with reigning champions Celtic remaining the narrow favourites at 8/13, compared to a price of 6/5 for the Gers. Should Morelos depart for pastures new in January, Rangers odds would undoubtedly drift, with veteran striker Jermain Defoe being their reserve option at present. There was talk on possible replacement for the striker, with 22-year-old Dunfermline Athletic man Kevin Nisbet reportedly being considered.
Defoe was on the scoresheet as Rangers rapped up their warm weather training camp in the UAE with a convincing 6-1 win over Uzbekistani side Lokomotiv Tashkent, with Gerrard’s men not returning to competitive action until the 17th, when they take on Stranraer in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round. Morelos played no part in the behind closed doors fixture, with Gerrard looking to keep his star man wrapped in cotton wool ahead of what could be a historic period for the club.
Both Morelos and Gerrard could well be wanted men come the summer, with the latter likely to be targeted by a hatful of clubs in England after demonstrating his strengths as a manager. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen as to whether the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Bologna or Atletico Madrid make a move for Morelos, with Rangers set to demand a substantial fee for their in-form forward.