Glasgow Rangers defender Bruno Alves is reportedly closing in on a move away from Ibrox this summer.
It is looking increasingly likely that Bruno Alves’ stunning free-kick during Rangers’ draw with Hibs on the final day of last season will prove to be his parting gift to the Gers fans, with Sky Sports reporting that he is undergoing a medical with Parma ahead of sealing his Ibrox exit.
Alves has endured a mixed time with the Light Blues, but it would be little surprise if his probable exit tempts Steven Gerrard to consider strengthening his options at the heart of the defence before the new season starts as the veteran brought a lot of experience and did show glimpses of real quality at times during his spell.
But could the Portuguese’s departure open the door for Aidan Wilson to push for more of a first-team chance next term?
Wilson has only made a handful of appearances for the Gers’ senior side, but has to be considered one of the most promising academy starlets available to Gerrard. And the 19-year-old is perhaps amongst those who are more ready for a first-team chance.
The teenager featured alongside Connor Goldson at the heart of the defence during the second-half of the club’s behind closed doors friendly with TNS earlier this week, and he helped the side keep a clean sheet for the second 45 minutes.
With Goldson impressing, as did fellow new signing Nikola Katic, it seems unlikely that Wilson will find himself too high in the pecking order at the start of the season, but as there is not a lot of depth behind the pair, there is perhaps a window of opportunity for Wilson to get more game-time in the near future.
Should Rangers progress in the Europa League qualifiers, then Gerrard’s squad is going to be stretched over the coming months, and players like Wilson and Kyle Bradley – who featured in the first-half against TNS – may ultimately get the chance to feel that Alves’ probable move has been a blessing.
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