Why Norwich City must avoid signing Angel Rangel
As per reputed journalist David Anderson of the Mirror, EFL Championship leaders Norwich City are plotting a January move for veteran Queens Park Rangers defender Angel Rangel.
The 36-year-old full-back moved to Loftus Road only this past summer on a short-term deal after his contract with Swansea City ran out. He has made a significant impact on Steve McClaren’s side. However, with his contract set to expire during the January transfer window, a number of clubs are lining up with Nottingham Forest and MLS clubs DC United and New York City FC all interested in him along with Norwich. (h/t Mirror)
The Spanish right-back has spent the past 11 years of his professional career in England, having joined Swansea from Terrassa FC in Spain back in 2007. Rangel went on to make 367 appearances for the Swans before moving to QPR once his contract expired.
So far in the ongoing campaign, Rangel has made 13 appearances for QPR. While he has no goals or assists to show for, the Spaniard has made a difference on and off the field with his experience and leadership. The 36-year-old has established himself as manager McClaren’s trusted lieutenant at Loftus Road with a string of solid displays.
Norwich City have made a sensational start to the campaign and have taken the top spot in the Championship, with 33 points from 17 games (W10, D3, L4). Daniel Farke’s men have scored 28 times in the English second division so far while letting in 20 goals, which is the second highest for a team in the top six of the table.
New recruits would be welcome in January but bringing in another right-back would be a questionable move for the Canaries given that they already have three right-sided full-backs on their books.
Having burst on to the scenes only this season, Max Aarons has gone on to establish himself as a mainstay at the back for Farke’s side and has made 14 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting one goal apiece. The 18-year-old recently signed a new long-term deal and has made the right-back spot his own.
Along with the teenage sensation, the Canaries can also call upon German full-back Felix Passlack, who arrived on loan from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old has made 4 cup appearances for his temporary club this term. He has had some degree of experience at the top level for Dortmund and can be a reliable option if needed.
Norwich also have the experienced Ivo Pinto in their ranks, who has made five first-team appearances so far this term. A former Croatian champion with Dinamo Zagreb, the 28-year-old Portuguese has been at Carrow Road for over two years now, making 95 appearances and can be considered a reliable option.
Moreover, Farke has also used Ben Marshall at right-back on four occasions this term and the 27-year-old has chipped in with decent displays, contributing with a solitary assist.
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Given the abundance of choices at right-back for Norwich, a move for Rangel, despite his vast experience, does seem a bit redundant at the moment. And the Canaries would be better off looking to strengthen other areas of the pitch in January.
