Rangers have embarked on a new era under Steven Gerrard and it’s undoubtedly an exciting time for supporters.
While there is caution to take in expecting too much from a rookie manager in his first season in charge, it’s no surprise that fans are feeling optimistic after hitting rock bottom under Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty this term.
It’s a box office appointment and one which will capture the imagination of not just Rangers supporters, but Liverpool fans and neutrals.
Can this former Reds legend lead the Light Blues to glory up against his former manager Brendan Rodgers? The narrative writes itself.
To do that though will take a massive effort and the odds are stacked against Gerrard and the Ibrox side. He needs quality signings and he needs them quick.
While Rangers have a Director of Football in place to identify potential targets, the club would be silly not to utilise the former England international’s contacts in seeking new players.
Here are FOUR players with a Gerrard connection that Rangers should target…
Steven Gerrard has been retired for two years now and many of his former teammates have similarly hung up their boots, but there are still a few players of quality that he could bring in to strengthen Rangers.
One of those is former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel, who currently players for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
It hasn’t taken long for him to be linked with a move to Ibrox, with The Daily Record already reporting that he is one of Gerrard’s top transfer priorities this summer.
The Rangers defence has been lightweight for ages now and bringing in an experienced professional, who has played at the elite level, could be massive in reversing their fortunes.
With over 300 appearances for Liverpool and 97 caps for his country Slovakia, Skrtel certainly fits the bill.
Don’t forget that their defensive problems have been their downfall this season. Having scored 69 league goals, they’ve been almost as effective in the final third as champions Celtic, while their 44 goals conceded is more than every team in the top four.
Can Gerrard convince his former teammate to come in and plug a leaky defence?
Striker Rhian Brewster is considered as one of the top teenage talents in the world after his golden boot winning performance at last year’s U17s World Cup. He scored eight goals for his country, including one in the final as they lifted the trophy ahead of Spain.
With six goals and seven assists in 15 appearances for Liverpool’s under age sides this season he is building on that tournament performance in an impressive way.
Gerrard will know all about him given he has been heavily involved in Liverpool’s youth set-up recently and bringing him to Ibrox could deliver the first blow against Celtic before a ball is even kicked next season.
The Herald reported earlier this week that the Hoops were seeking the 18-year-old’s signature on loan, with Brendan Rodgers hoping to add him to his attack next term.
Can Rangers now beat the Hoops to his loan signing and use him as a weapon in their fight for the Scottish Premiership?
If Rangers don’t want to go for a completely untested player in Rhian Brewster, Liverpool have more attacking talents that are a bit further on in their development.
20-year-old Dominic Solanke is very much a member of Jurgen Klopp’s first team squad at Anfield with 24 appearances this season, but as of yet has failed to show is good enough to replace the likes of Roberto Firmino.
There’s no shame in that of course and the fact he has featured at all at Liverpool is evidence Klopp rates him.
Rated at £7.2m by Transfermarkt, a year out on loan at a club like Rangers could do wonders for his development and confidence. He hasn’t scored for the Reds since making the switch from Chelsea last summer and the longer that goes on, the more supporter’s frustrations will continue.
Can Gerrard convince Klopp that a year at Ibrox is a good idea?
Like Martin Skrtel, John Terry has the experience and ability to greatly improve the Ibrox defence next season and of course has previously played with Steven Gerrard on multiple occasions with the England national team.
When Terry left Chelsea last summer, many thought his playing days were coming to an end, but he’s proven at Aston Villa this season he has plenty to offer a decent, ambitious outfit and has helped them massively achieve a play-off position in the English Championship.
At 37 years of age, he might not have long-term potential at Ibrox, but as a single-season signing he could be just what they need.
With his contract up at Villa Park come the end of the season, he could be looking for a new challenge this summer and Gerrard’s new project in Glasgow could be the ideal destination.