Frank McAvennie, the former striker for Celtic, has alerted his old team to “be aware” of a possible transfer scenario that could occur at Rangers this summer.
Rangers planning summer acquisitions
While the Gers’ primary goal for this season is to win the Scottish Premiership, behind-the-scenes effort will also be done to finalize some significant summer transfer transactions.
Despite injuries disrupting his career, Abdallah Sima has been a great loan acquisition from Brighton in 2023–24, scoring ten goals in the league thus far. At the end of the season, the Seagulls are delighted to let him go, and it’s possible that the Rangers may sign him long-term.
Similar circumstances apply to Fabio Silva as well. While he hasn’t impressed as much as Sima this season, he may leave Wolves permanently this summer, at which point the Gers may try to sign him for a higher salary.
Lawrence Shankland of Hearts is another excellent choice to support Philippe Clement’s offensive line; he might even prove to be a better player than Sima and Silva. With 20 goals in the league so far in 2023–24, he tops the Scottish scoring lists.
McAvennie warns Celtic about Shankland
In an interview with Football Insider, McAvennie said that he could see Shankland joining Rangers as a successful commercial deal.
“I don’t understand why the Shankland rumours are all over the place if there’s nothing in it. I think he would do well at Rangers. He hasn’t got the pace for England. Unfortunately for him, the Premier League is all about pace. But Shankland is a very intelligent player, he’s great with his feet. Has he got the pace to play in England? No.
“He’ll score goals in Scotland. I think it’ll be an interesting one if he goes to Ibrox – it’s a real step in the right direction and something Celtic will have to be aware of.”
Regardless of what Rangers are planning with Sima and Silva this summer – Champions League qualification may need to achieved in order for them to afford at least one of them – Shankland should be considered a brilliant choice to come in and make Rangers’ attacking even more fearsome.
The 28-year-old is already an accomplished player who is well-versed in the Scottish Premiership, and his current form suggests that he is approaching the prime of his career.
From a Celtic standpoint, it would be quite concerning to see the Gers sign Shankland, given that Clement’s team has not only significantly closed the distance with their opponents but also poses a serious danger to overtake them for championship glory.
The Hoops should also be looking to strike a deal for the Scot, although the fact that the Hearts star is a boyhood Rangers supporter could quickly put paid to that.
