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‘No surprise’: Rangers hero not shocked if Ibrox star quits for ‘good step’

Photo by Mark Runnacles - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Runnacles - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 10: Connor Goldson of Rangers applauds fans after their victory in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg One match between Rangers FC and Crvena Zvezda at Ibrox Stadium on March 10, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images )
Photo by Mark Runnacles – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Zurab Khizanishvili hopes Connor Goldson signs a new contract with Rangers over pursuing a second chance in the Premier League with a free transfer, via quotes by The Scottish Sun.

Goldson is now just two months away from being a free agent with his existing deal ending on May 31. The Gers have never signed the centre-half to fresh terms since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018. But Khizanishvili hopes they can now reach an agreement.

Ibrox chiefs have likewise not given up on convincing the £3m star to extend his stay in the Premiership. Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson told Sky Sports last month that sporting director Ross Wilson ‘is having regular conversations’ as he addresses the matter.

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 17: Milan Pavkov of Crvena Zvezda shoots and misses whilst under pressure from Connor Goldson of Rangers during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg Two match between Crvena Zvezda and Rangers FC at Rajko Mitic Stadium on March 17, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images

Goldson has been an instrumental presence for Rangers since moving from the south coast of England to Glasgow. He has made 210 appearances across all competitions, including 48 this season. The defender has also only missed one league game all term in September.

Ibrox hero feels Goldson quitting Rangers ‘no surprise’ but wants new contract

Khizanishvili will understand if Goldson elects to quit Rangers and pursue a ‘good step’ in a free transfer this summer. He moved to Ibrox having failed to make the grade at Brighton, where he made just three appearances following their promotion into the Premier League.

The Wolves-born enforcer also only started two of his career English top-flight outings for the Amex Stadium side. So, Goldson rejecting a new contract with Rangers for a second chance south of the border would not shock Ibrox hero Khizanishvili come the summer.

“I’ve watched Connor a lot in the last two years, I follow Rangers all the time and I like him very much,” Khizanishvili said. “He’s got a strong mentality, he’s a proper defender – just what I like to see at the club.

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 17: Milan Pavkov (L) of FK Crvena zvezda in action against Connor Goldson (R) of Rangers during UEFA Champions League soccer match between FK Crvena Zvezda and Rangers at Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia on March 17, 2022. (Photo by Milos Miskov/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Photo by Milos Miskov/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

“He’s 29 now, though, and it is an interesting age. He has played in the Scottish league and Europa League. I understand if a player who has proved himself as the No.1 defender for Rangers may be interested in going to find out about a different league.

“I wish him good luck if that is the case, but I wish him to stay. He’s played in England before, but not so much, so it’s no surprise if he’s thinking of trying again. The Premier League would be a good step. But he’s good for us, and Rangers are good for him.”