Opinion: Rangers should simply avoid this 34-year-old midfield veteran and look for younger talents

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Why Rangers should keep their eyes off Charlie Adam

Reading midfielder Charlie Adam has expressed his desire to return to Rangers while speaking on BBC’s The Nine (h/t Daily Record).

Adam, 34, came through the ranks of Dundee United’s youth system and joined Rangers’ U20 side in January 2003. However, in his seven seasons with the Gers, he was sent of several loan spells and could manage just 77 games for the Scottish giants before joining Blackpool.

From there, he went on to play for Liverpool and had a 7-year stint Stoke City during which he made 179 appearances. Adam joined Championship side Reading last summer. But this season, he has not been a regular under Mark Bowen and, thus, Rangers should avoid making a move for the former Scottish international.

Charlie Adam joined Reading FC last summer (Getty Images)
Charlie Adam joined Reading FC last summer (Getty Images)

The Gers, meanwhile, have once again failed in their attempt to stop Celtic’s dominance in the Premiership. Steven Gerrard’s men started the season on a high note but gradually showed inconsistency towards the latter stages of the campaign.

They fell 13 points short of their rivals, who have been crowned the champions of Scotland for the 9th time in a row. And thus, Rangers boss Gerrard should build a strong team for the future, if they have to end Celtic’s dominance.

Rangers need youngsters for the future

Midfield is one area where the manager should focus on strengthening in the near future. Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack, Steven Davies and Joe Aribo are the main central midfielders available at Gerrard’s disposal.

However, Arfield is already 30 and reaching the rear end of his career and Davies, 35, has just one year left on his contract at Ibrox. Thus, Rangers should bring in youngsters with a view for the future.

Charlie Adam during his time at Stoke City (Getty Images)
Charlie Adam during his time at Stoke City (Getty Images)

In that regard, signing Adam from reading would not be a wise decision. The former Liverpool man has struggled for game time this season, making just 19 appearances and racking up only 2 goals and the same number of assists in the process. He is also 34 and would not have much to offer to the Gers in the future. And signing him at this time would be a total waste of resources.

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Verdict

Adam has already crossed his prime and would find it difficult to get into Gerrard’s team sheet next season. And they already have a few good midfielders in the squad. Thus, Rangers should avoid making a move for the former Scotland international and instead, bring in younger reinforcements