Liverpool deal hints Sheyi Ojo can replace Daniel Candeias at Rangers

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Glasgow Rangers agreed to let Daniel Candeias leave Ibrox this summer, and Sheyi Ojo will be hoping to replace the Portuguese.

While Daniel Candeias looked set to play a less prominent role in Steven Gerrard’s squad this season, there were plenty of Rangers fans who were extremely disappointed by the decision to sell the winger this summer.

Candeias was a key man for two years at Ibrox, and few would have expected him to be on his way at the start of the window. He certainly leaves a big void to fill, with his replacement not only having to contribute in the final third but also put in the defensive effort that made Candeias so popular during his time in the Scottish Premiership.

The obvious replacement for the 31-year-old would surely be Sheyi Ojo, who has arrived on a season-long loan spell from Liverpool in the hope of replicating Ryan Kent’s success following his own stint in Scotland last season.

Ojo’s competitive debut for the Gers suggested that the club could have something special on their hands as he scored a sublime goal in the first-leg of their Europa League qualifying tie with St Joseph’s.

However, a more underwhelming performance against Blackburn Rovers in the club’s latest pre-season may have left some of the supporters feeling a little more concerned.

It remains to be seen therefore, whether Rangers do have a player in Ojo who can step up following Candeias’ exit. But perhaps, there is one crucial factor that hints that the summer signing is going to be the man to step up to the plate at Ibrox.

It was announced when Ojo had completed his loan switch to Rangers that he had also signed a new five-year contract at Liverpool (via BBC Sport).

The Champions League winners handing a long-term contract to the youngster highlights just how much faith they have in his potential. And even if the terms were agreed with a potential future sale in mind, the length of the contract hints that he could be worth a fee significant enough to a club that hardly needs to worry about counting the pennies.

Liverpool clearly see a very bright future for Ojo. And that decision to hand him a brand new contract hints that he has the capability to surpass Candeias’ popularity amongst the Ibrox faithful.