Rangers have completed the first signing of the Steven Gerrard era by landing Canadian winger Scott Arfield on a free transfer from Premier League club Burnley, the club confirmed on its official website.
The 29-year-old’s contract with the Clarets was set to expire at the end of this month and the Gers have acted quickly to land the experienced winger and kickstart, what is going to be a pivotal transfer window as they look to improve upon their 3rd-place finish in the recently concluded 2017/18 Scottish Premiership season.
The Scotland-born Arfield featured just 20 times over the course of the season for Burnley in all competitions, scoring two goals and assisting one in the process.
His experience in the Premier League, and in the Scottish league when he turned out for Falkirk previously, will benefit Gerrard’s side immensely in the seasons ahead.
Here’s how the Light Blues’ attack could line up with their new man in the ranks.
Manager: Steven Gerrard
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Greg Docherty (CM)
The Scottish youth international started off in top form since arriving at the Ibrox in January but faded towards the end of the campaign. Has shown he has the quality to be a vital player for the Light Blues in the seasons to come.
Jordan Rossiter (CM)
The former Liverpool midfielder missed a lot of the 2017/18 campaign due to injury troubles. Highly rated at the club, he could get his chances next season under Gerrard.
Daniel Candeias (RW)
The Portuguese winger finished the 2017/18 campaign as the leading assist maker in the Scottish Premiership. Has struck up a solid partnership with Tavernier on the right-hand side, which should be persisted with.
Josh Windass (CAM)
The 24-year-old enjoyed a fine season, finishing with 17 goals and 8 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions. Was marred by inconsistent displays on occasions though and will need to iron it out for the 2018/19 campaign.
Scott Arfield (LW)
Arfield has become the first official signing under Gerrard and should start in his preferred left-wing role for the Gers next campaign. However, he is likely to find himself behind Jamie Murphy in the pecking order, should the latter’s permanent move to the Ibrox go through as expected.
Alfredo Morelos (ST)
The 21-year-old finished as the club’s top scorer, with 18 goals in 43 games in all competitions in his debut campaign in Scotland. He has what it takes to grow into an even more prolific goalscorer come next season.