Why Rangers should plot a move for Caleb Ekuban in the summer
According to Fotospor (h/t The Scotsman), Rangers are eyeing a move for Ghana forward Caleb Ekuban, who plies his trade with Trabzonspor in Turkey.
Ekuban, 25, came through the ranks of Mantova and Chievo Verona’s youth system before moving to Leeds United in 2017. After 20 games with the Championship side, he went to Trabzonspor, where he scored 5 goals in his first Super Lig season.
His move to Turkey was made permanent last summer and the forward has netted 8 goals in the 25 games he has featured this term while providing 6 assists. He has improved from the previous years and looks confident in his game after making several moves earlier in his career.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard’s side have once again failed to close the gap on their rivals Celtic in the race for the Premiership title. After a stunning start to the campaign, the Gers suffered three defeats in three months and that has put them 13 points away from the top.
The manager should look to strengthen his squad for the next season as they need to be strong in every position if they are to challenge in various competitions. They have also lost to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Europa League’s round of 16. Hence, the Gers should bring in reinforcements to add depth to their squad.
In the attacking department, Jermain Defoe led the line brilliantly, scoring 13 goals before he got injured. Colombian international Alfredo Morales did a wonderful job in the absence of the English veteran but he has failed to score in his last 8 league games.
Craig Stewart has featured in just 16 games and is already 30. Rangers also signed Florian Kamberi on loan in January to bolster their team but nothing can be said of his future at the club after the end of the campaign. Therefore, the Scottish giants should look to bring in strikers to keep their attack going strong.
In that case, Trabzonspor’s Caleb Ekuban would be a viable option for the club as he has been doing well in the past few months since recovering from a fractured toe.
The former Leeds United man could be a valuable option for the Gers upfront if Morelos, whose future at the club is uncertain, leaves in the summer for a bigger challenge. The Ghanaian would be a huge boost for the team if he is able to reproduce his current form.
Predominantly a centre-forward, Ekuban is capable of playing anywhere across the front line and his versatile nature of play could help Gerrard with a lot of options to choose from in demanding situations.
Read more
- Why Rangers should reignite their interest in Craig MacGillivray
- Why Rangers should keep hold of Alfredo Morelos
- Why Rangers should keep hold of Borna Barisic amidst interest
Verdict
With Defoe already beyond his prime and several other issues in the attacking department, the Gers should add depth to their squad to fare better next season. And Ekuban would be able to provide them with the required depth.
He is just 25 and has a lot more to offer. Therefore, the Gers should secure his signature and lure him to Ibrox in the summer.
