Why Thomas Robert would be a good long-term signing for Rangers
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are among a host of clubs keeping tabs on Airdrieonians winger Thomas Robert, who is the son of former Newcastle United star Laurent Robert.
Old Firm rivals Celtic, Edinburgh outfits Hearts and Hibernian, as well as several English clubs, are monitoring the development of the 20-year-old, who only moved to New Broomfield in the summer. (h/t The Scottish Sun)
Profile
Born in Paris, Thomas Robert started his footballing education at Montpellier in France. He featured for the club’s U-19 and reserve sides but rejected a new deal to join Airdrieonians in the Scottish third-tier this past summer in search of a quicker route to first-team football.
Robert has made a big impact following his move to New Broomfield with a stunning start to the season for the Diamonds. The 20-year-old has registered 3 goals and 2 assists in 11 appearances for Airdrieonians so far, catching the eye of several clubs higher up the football pyramid.
Rangers would benefit from Robert’s potential
Rangers aren’t really crying out for reinforcements in the wide attacking positions, with the Gers quite well-stocked in front of goal. Steven Gerrard has rotated the likes of Ianis Hagi, Kemar Roofe, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent on the flanks in his preferred 4-3-3 system.
The Ibrox giants can, however, do with some quality back-ups in that department. Brandon Barker and Greg Stewart haven’t really inspired a lot of confidence with their displays, forcing the manager to rely heavily on Kent, Roofe and Hagi to deliver the goods week in, week out.
Thomas Robert might not fit the bill as an immediate game-changer at Ibrox but Rangers should still look to win the race for the talented winger with one eye on the future. The 20-year-old has made eyeballs turn with his rapid rise to prominence at Airdrieonians in Scottish League One and ticks the box as a bright emerging prospect with plenty of room for development.
Verdict
Considering that Robert has just started to make his mark in senior football, Rangers would be better off loaning him out to another club to give him more exposure if they do end up signing the youngster in the near future.
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The step-up in quality from League One to the Scottish top-flight is quite massive and the 20-year-old certainly needs more experience and knowhow to establish himself at a club of Rangers’ stature. All in all, Rangers completing a deal for the Airdrieonians winger would be a wonderful long-term investment as Gerrard continues to build a formidable unit in his own image.
