Rangers FC opinion: Gers should reignite interest in Jack Whatmough
Earlier in January, the Sun revealed that both Celtic and Rangers were linked with a move for Portsmouth star Jack Whatmough. The 22-year-old’s contract with the club was to expire at the end of this season but he has since signed an extension until 2021 (BBC).
It meant that moves to both the Scottish sides were spurned, and the clubs were left hanging. With Whatmough continuing to perform admirably prior to his injury, Rangers should seriously revive their interest in the young centre-back.
They need reinforcements next summer, especially in the defence, which has let in a few untimely goals over the last six months or so. Not to mention, Gareth McAuley is 39 years old and has struggled to make an impact this season.
The former West Bromwich Albion centre-back arrived on a free transfer in the summer but has failed to nail down a permanent spot in Steven Gerrard’s side. This has left the club with just Connor Goldson, Nikola Katic, and Joe Worrall.
However, Worrall is on loan from Nottingham Forest and will return to his parent club at the end of the season. This puts the Gers in a real pickle next season, as it leaves them with just two reliable defenders at their disposal.
This shouldn’t hurt them if they add someone like Jack Whatmough. The 22-year-old has been ruled out for the rest of this season with an injury to his knee but he remains a solid defender.
Jack Whatmough’s loan spell at Havant and Waterlooville FC saw the young defender hone his skills in order to become a modern centre-back. Comfortable with the ball at his feet, the 22-year-old was a consistent presence before his injury.
As mentioned above, he’s a solid defender and more importantly an intelligent one. Unlike most centre-backs, Whatmough rarely panics when in one-vs-one situations. Instead, he makes the most of his size and athleticism to keep up with even the fastest of strikers.
That’s something which would be very useful for any team in the world, let alone Rangers. It’s a move that could potentially shore up their back-line.
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Conclusion
Steven Gerrard and Rangers need reinforcements next season but it has to be the right players in the right areas, with the most important position being a new
As mentioned above, the Gers cannot depend on ageing players, which is why a move for Jack Whatmough makes sense.