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Why Rangers should take a gamble with Kemar Roofe

According to The Sun, Rangers are keen to sign Anderlecht forward Kemar Roofe in the summer if Alfredo Morelos decides to move away from Ibrox.

Roofe, 27, came through the youth ranks at West Brom and was sent on several loan spells early in his career. He played for Cheltenham, Colchester United and Oxford United before moving to Leeds United in the summer of 2016. In his three seasons with the Whites, he made 122 appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 14 assists.

Last summer, the striker was signed by Belgian outfit Anderlecht and Roofe has done a decent job so far in the Jupiler League despite being blighted by injuries. The report also suggests that the Gers were interested in signing the Walsall-born forward last summer. Having failed to snap him up, they should attempt to sign him ahead of the next season.

Kemar Roofe during his time with Leeds United (Getty Images)
Kemar Roofe during his time with Leeds United (Getty Images)

Rangers, meanwhile, once again failed to put a stop to Celtic’s dominance as the Hoops won the league title for the ninth time in a row when the season came to an abrupt end.

It is now time for manager Steven Gerrard to look towards the new campaign and get his troops ready. Gerrard needs to bring in reinforcements to multiple positions if they are to lift themselves and challenge for titles and trophies.

Roofe would add depth to Rangers’ attack

Rangers’ attacking unit led by Alfredo Morelos and Jermaine Defoe did a brilliant job this season, scoring 64 goals in the league. The duo scored 25 of the team’s goals. However, the Colombian forward has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer.

In addition, fellow striker Greg Stewart has just one more year left on his contract. And if Morelos leaves the club, Defoe, who is already 37, would be the only main striker available. Thus, a prolific goalscorer is a must in the summer.

In that regard, signing Roofe would be a good choice. The 27-year-old has made 302 career appearances and his experience would come in very handy for Gerrard’s squad. He managed to score more than 10 goals in each of his last three campaigns with Leeds United. In the 2019/20 season, he has racked up 6 goals in 13 league games despite being plagued by injuries.

Kemar Roofe celebrates after scoring a goal for Anderlecht (Getty Images)
Kemar Roofe celebrates after scoring a goal for Anderlecht (Getty Images)

The 27-year-old’s inclusion to the Gers’ squad would definitely add depth to their attacking unit, whilst also bringing in healthy competition with the squad. He may not be the most prolific striker but Roofe would get the much-needed extra goals if he keeps himself away from injuries.

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Verdict

At 27, Roofe still has a lot to offer at a higher level and Rangers should take a gamble on him. He is capable of playing anywhere on the frontline and would be a valuable addition to their squad. Thus, the Gers must do everything possible to secure his services at the second time of asking.