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Why signing this 32-yr-old veteran free agent would be a massive coup for Gerrard’s Rangers

Why Rangers should quickly snap up free agent Gabby Agbonlahor

Scottish giants Rangers made 15 signings in the summer transfer window as manager Steven Gerrard completely overhauled the squad.

The Gers have made a decent start to the new Scottish Premiership season but are eight points off table-toppers Hearts. Furthermore, Gerrard’s boys were dumped out of the League Cup by Aberdeen as Rangers lost 1-0.

Truth be told, the signings which Gerrard made in summer are slowly but steadily starting to flourish. It would take some time before they all start clicking as a unit and torment teams without breaking a sweat. However, the Rangers squad still has some areas that need to be addressed by Gerrard.

The defence has been impressive, with the likes of Connor Goldson, Joe Worrall and Nikola Katic working well in tandem and full-backs James Tavernier, Borna Barisic and Jon Flanagan sticking to their jobs. The midfield has looked solid but Gerrard’s side have lacked the attacking firepower.

Apart from Alfredo Morelos and Kyle Lafferty, Rangers don’t have a natural goal-scorer on whom Gerrard can rely upon. And the problem was further documented in the League Cup semi-final defeat to Aberdeen when Gerrard had to rely upon the young Umar Sadiq due to the unavailability of Morelos and Lafferty.

With Alfredo Morelos suspended and Kyle Lafferty cup-tied, Gerrard was forced to go with Umar Sadiq in the attack. The striker had managed just 26 minutes of football before he was thrown in the deep end of the League Cup semi-final.

And unfortunately for the Rangers boss, the gamble did not pay off. Sadiq spent most of his opening months at the periphery of Ibrox and did little to prove in the game against Aberdeen that he deserves to start games for the club.

So what’s next for Gerrard if the likes of Morelos and Lafferty are unavailable due to circumstances? Clearly, the Rangers manager cannot take a gamble on Sadiq. One thing he can certainly do is add another centre-forward to his squad. In that case, Gerrard would be wise to sign Gabby Agbonlahor on a short-term deal.

Aston Villa let Gabby Agbonlahor go at the end of last season and it’s surprising to see the striker hasn’t found a new home yet. Agbonlahor, 32, came up through the ranks at boyhood club Aston Villa and once tormented Premier League defences with his explosive pace and dribbling skills.

However, injuries and fitness woes have considerably slowed down the former England international but he is still capable of doing a good job at the highest level. At 32, Agbonlahor still has plenty to offer and would give a different option to Gerrard. Also, he would bring a wealth of experience at the Ibrox, having played at a very high level in the past.

Read more: Why a loan move back to Rangers is the best way out for this 17-year-old Chelsea prodigy

On a free transfer, Agbonlahor would represent a massive coup for Gerrard and Rangers.