The former Rangers star is being linked with an Ibrox return this summer, but is a controversial figure at the Glasgow club.
Norwich City’s Steven Naismith celebrates scoring their second goal
It is being reported that Norwich City, who have already announced they will be releasing ex-Rangers pair Steven Whittaker and Kyle Lafferty, might also be preparing to let former Ger Steven Naismith leave on a free this summer.
The Sun is reporting that the Canaries want his wages off the books, just 16 months after spending £8.5 million to sign him from Everton.
Immediately he has been linked with a return to Ibrox by fans on Twitter. He would undoubtedly be a good signing for the club and the nostalgia behind his signature would also be a big selling point for Rangers.
But for some Rangers fans, there is no way the 30-year-old should return.
He left the club in 2012 after refusing to have his contract transferred to Sevco, and joined Everton on a free transfer.
Many at the time saw it as a betrayal, with Rangers relegated to the Third Division after their financial collapse.
Norwich’s Steven Naismith in action with Watford’s Ikechi Anya
At the time Naismith said this, as quoted by the BBC:
“I’d like to think I’ve given my all for Rangers.
“My loyalty is with Rangers, not with Sevco, who I don’t know anything about.
“There is too much uncertainty over what division the new company are going to be playing in at this stage of my career. I’m an ambitious footballer.”
It is those comments that have Rangers fans suggesting that bringing in Naismith would be an error.
Naismith Rangers
Some fans however point out how Kenny Miller has repaired relations at the club despite a spell at Celtic and that Naismith would deserve a second chance at the club.
But for many, it is time for Rangers to stop looking into the past and into the future, leaving the likes of Naismith and co looking elsewhere to continue their careers.
Here is some of the best reaction from Twitter…
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