Rangers opinion: Gers close to signing Hastie – good move?
English news outlet the Express has reported that Rangers are close to agreeing on a move for Motherwell star Jake Hastie. The young winger is out of contract at the end of this season and talks of a new deal for the 21-year-old have fallen through.
This has seen the likes of Crystal Palace, and even Leeds United (Express) interested in a move. However, nothing ever materialized for Hastie and it looks like Rangers might be the side to win the race.
Things were getting a little sticky for Motherwell, with the club fighting tooth and nail to try and retain the 21-year-old star. Yet, with his contract expiring, there wasn’t a lot that Motherwell could do, and for the Rangers, this move could be a blessing.
The Gers need new wingers, with the club depending heavily on Liverpool loanee Ryan Kent this season, along with Glenn Middleton and Daniel Candeias. They did add Scott Arfield from Burnley last summer, but the 30-year-old has become a central midfielder off late.
However, that isn’t to say that he hasn’t contributed with goals and assists, contributing to 17 goals so far. The club’s dependence on Kent for pace and agility has caused manager Steven Gerrard a few problems this season.
This is where Jake Hastie can come in and make an immediate impact, with the 21-year-old doing some of his best work out wide. This season alone, Hastie has managed to score 11 goals and create 7 assists.
Out of those 11 goals, six have come in the Premiership, with the 21-year-old only re-joining Motherwell after the January window. He spent the first six months of the season on loan at Alloa Athletic FC, impressing there with 23 appearances, scoring 3 goals and creating four more.
It’s why, when Hastie returned to the club, he immediately slotted into the first-team. The Gers have won the first game of the second phase and have managed to cut down Celtic’s lead to just nine points. They have a mountain to climb.
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Conclusion
Steven Gerrard and company need to start looking towards the future. The 21-year-old has the potential to do really well for Rangers.