Why Rangers must make a move to sign Millwall defender Jake Cooper
According to a report by Sky Sports, Rangers have tabled a £3million bid to sign Millwall defender Jake Cooper this summer. Ever since Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard took charge of the club, the Gers have been quite active in the ongoing transfer window.
After enduring a lacklustre season under the likes of Pedro Caixinha and Graeme Murty, it does look like exciting times are ahead for the club. But is signing Jake Cooper a good move by the Scottish outfit?
The report claims that the Championship club are unfazed by Rangers’ offer and are keen to retain Cooper’s services. But the youngster might find it tough to reject the opportunity to join Gerrard’s Rangers. With two years remaining on his current contract with Millwall, this is the ideal time for the club to cash in on him.
The 23-year-old served a loan spell with the club before completing a permanent switch from Reading last summer. In both seasons with the club, Cooper played a key role for Millwall.
In the previous campaign, the club finished 8th and Cooper’s performances truly helped them solidify their back line. The club merely conceded 45 goals, making it the third-lowest figure in the Championship. As far as Cooper’s stats are concerned, the player recorded an average of 6.9 clearances and won 4.8 aerial duels.
In addition to that, he also chipped in with 4 goals and 3 assists. Hence, it is understandable as to why Millwall are intent on retaining his services.
However, it is time for him to test pastures anew. If Rangers successfully sign Cooper, Gerrard will have 3 solid centre-backs at his disposal.
He has already completed deals for Nikola Katic and Connor Goldson, but signing Cooper would bolster the defence to a great extent. It will also provide Gerrard with the tactical flexibility of playing with a three-man backline since all 3 of these players are quite reliable and dependable.
When one analyzes Rangers’ transfer activities so far, it is evident that the new boss is determined to shore up the defence. After all, the club conceded a whopping 50 goals last season, making it the highest-shipped amount among the top-seven in the Scottish Premiership.
If they are to challenge Celtic and give them a run for their money, Rangers must complete their defensive puzzle by signing Jake Cooper from Millwall.
