Why Rangers must go all out to sign Steven Davis in January
According to a report from the Scottish Sun, Rangers could make a January swoop for Southampton star Steven Davis.
The 33-year-old Northern Irishman has fallen out of favour at Southampton, making just three first-team appearances for the Premier League outfit this season. And the report claims that Steven Gerrard is ready to bring back Steven Davis in January, more than six years after he left Ibrox.
Davis left Rangers in 2012 following the club’s liquidation and joined Southampton. He has been an integral part of the Saints ever since, helping them establish themselves as a stable club in the Premier League over the last six years.
However, the 33-year-old is in the final year of his deal at St. Mary’s and Rangers should go all out to land him in January.
Rangers have made a decent start to the new Scottish Premiership season under Steven Gerrard. The former Liverpool star signed as many as 15 players in the summer transfer window as the Gers went through a near-complete overhaul.
Celtic have been dominant in Scotland under Brendan Rodgers over the last few years and it made sense for the Rangers management to bring in a new manager and back him with substantial funds. So far, Rangers have done well not in the Premiership but also in Europe, and massive credit goes to Gerrard for bringing stability at the Ibrox.
However, the Gers should not stop spending if they are to challenge Celtic for the title this season. Despite signing 15 players in the summer, Gerrard should look to bring in a couple more players in January and offload some deadwood from his squad. And the Glasgow club would do a brilliant job if they manage to bring back Steven Davis.
Davis, 33, may not have the pace to beat players anymore but he could compensate with his versatility to play in various positions across the midfield.
The Northern Irishman has immense experience, having played for more than a decade at the top level, and will bring leadership qualities to Gerrard’s side. He is a tireless worker off the ball and would provide various options for the Rangers manager.
Gerrard has a fairly young squad at his disposal, so adding another experienced professional within the ranks would be highly valuable. At 33, Davis clearly won’t be a long-term option for the Gers but he still has a lot to offer.
Read more: Why signing this 32-yr-old veteran free agent would be a massive coup for Gerrard’s Rangers
If Rangers manage to sign Davis when the transfer window reopens, the move could prove to be a masterstroke for Gerrard and co.