Brian Laudrup expects Connor Goldson will force Giovanni van Bronckhorst to spend in the January transfer window to bring a new centre-back to Rangers, via his Daily Mail column.
Van Bronckhorst has enjoyed two wins from two since taking over from Steven Gerrard at Ibrox earlier this month. But defensive concerns are still prevalent for ex-Gers star Laudrup.
Goldson emphasised the task Van Bronckhorst faces for Laudrup as Rangers beat Livingston on Sunday. The Premiership title-holders flew into a two-goal lead after 16-minutes, but a mistake from the 28-year-old let Bruce Anderson pull one back on the half-hour mark.
Jack Fitzwater drilled the ball over Goldson for Alan Forrest to attack, and Anderson was alert to score the rebound. Allan McGregor had reacted well to deny Forrest, but could not stop the ball dropping to Anderson 10-yards out.
Laudrup expects Rangers to spend on a defender in January transfer window
Laudrup notes Rangers have been a cause for concern defensively all season, but Goldson’s contractual situation is making matters worse.
“It’s not been perfect,” Laudrup wrote. “Defensively, Rangers can still cause concern – that has been a season-long issue. But Van Bronckhorst got his first, real close-up look at it through Livingston’s goal on Sunday.
“Connor Goldson misread a long ball forward and it led to an unnecessary concession. I don’t think there is any doubt centre-back would be a priority area if Van Bronckhorst has scope to make additions in January.
“He’s tight for options there through injuries, in any case. But the whole scenario surrounding Goldson adds another complication to the picture.
“We’re only a matter of weeks away from the former Brighton defender being able to speak to other clubs. His form has not been great. There is noise around everything he does. Right now, it’s not one that’s really benefiting either the player or the club.”
Should Goldson sign a new contract at Ibrox?
Goldson has been a mainstay of the Rangers defence that Van Bronckhorst adopted and that can cause Laudrup concern.
The Wolverhampton-born enforcer has started 24 of the Gers’ 26 games in all competitions so far this season. He has only missed one Premiership fixture after sitting out the Glasgow side’s 2-1 win at St Johnstone in September.
But Van Bronckhorst may look to move on from Goldson if Gerrard’s 2018 signing cannot show a more unyielding presence.
His performance was erratic against Livingston, and he had two chances to stop Anderson from scoring. First, failing to clear the ball before Forrest’s shot, then letting Anderson slip in having not been close enough to the 23-year-old.
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