It would be a “huge boost” to Rangers’ prospects of signing and keeping hold of players, if they were to qualify for the Champions League group stages next week.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest news from Ibrox, heading into the final few weeks of the season.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has welcomed seven new faces to Ibrox this summer, with the club looking to regain the Scottish Premiership title off city rivals Celtic, whilst also trying to achieve qualification to the Champions League group stages.
We are no closer to knowing whether Rangers will compete in the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition this season, after the Glasgow giants drew 2-2 at Ibrox in their Champions League play-off first leg tie with Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven this week.
And O’Rourke believes that if the Gers were to be successful in their second leg with PSV, they might be able to attract more players to the club, as well as encouraging those linked with a move away to remain at the club.
“It would also help maybe for any potential signings and also for keeping players as well, because all the top players want to play in the Champions League.
“So, it’d give them a huge boost to keep hold of any players who have been linked with moves as well as maybe encouraging players to make the move to Ibrox as well.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments
We believe that O’Rourke is right in his statements and that Champions League qualification could be a critical factor in Rangers’ remaining transfer business this season.
Whilst Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have both remained loyal to the Glasgow giants so far, they may feel that the time is right for another challenge if they don’t secure qualification for the Champions League proper.
Therefore, we believe that van Bronckhorst should be motivating his players throughout the week, to get the task in hand completed in Eindhoven next week.