Ethan Robson has signed a new deal with Championship strugglers Sunderland, meaning he will not be playing at Ibrox for Rangers next season.
Ethan Robson always looked likely to sign a new contract at Sunderland despite the Wearsiders facing up to the very real prospect of League One football next season.
The homegrown academy graduate finally made his first-team breakthrough this season and, instead of leaving on a free, he has committed his future to the club by signing a new deal until 2020, as reproted by the Chronicle. He is a born-and-bred Sunderland fan, after all.
This, therefore, may come as a blow to Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers, both of whom were keen to lure Robson to Glasgow at the end of his maiden season in the first-team, as reported by the Scottish Sun.
It is understood that Robson, whose market value is £2 million, could be snapped up for as little as a £150,000 compensation fee. It looked like an excellent bargain for a Rangers side not exactly awash with disposable funds.
But they should not be too concerned that Robson will not be lining up at Ibrox next season. Because Rangers didn’t really need him anyway.
After all, Rangers have a midfield to rival Celtic’s these days and Robson, a hard-working and aggressive midfielder renowned for his tenacity and ability to win back possession, is arguably more likely to get first-team chances at Sunderland.
Graeme Murty already has Graham Dorrans, Ryan Jack and Jason Holt to pick from, while the excellent Greg Docherty has enhanced his options since arriving from Hamilton in January.
And while Sean Goss is only on loan from QPR, it appears that Rangers have already identified his replacement in the Sydney FC midfielder Brandon O’Neill.
Missing out on Robson, then, is a blow Rangers can take on the chin.
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