Rangers legend Barry Ferguson thinks it is a “no-brainer” for the Light Blues to try and keep “man-mountain” Connor Goldson at Ibrox beyond this season 0 – but insists there’s no chance of the Gers star taking his foot off the gas as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.
Goldson played every minute of every game last season for Steven Gerrard’s Scottish champions and there have been fears over his future with his contract up at the end of the season.
Despite the possibility of losing him for free, Ferguson thinks the ex-Brighton stopper will be vital for the Light Blues as they bid to defend their newly-won Scottish Premiership crown.
After romping to the title with a 25-point gap over bitter rivals Celtic, Ferguson is confident Rangers will successfully defend their title, labelling the Gers “big favourites”, but knows things will be much easier for them if Goldson is in his usual berth in central defence.
“It’s a no-brainer for the club,” Ferguson told the Daily Record. “They simply have to keep Goldson for the coming season because the prize at the end of it is worth far more to them than any transfer they’ll bring in for him.
“If Rangers were to win the title again, direct entry to the Champions League awaits and with it a cheque for at least £30million. That’s a game-changer. That kind of cash can open the door for even better players to arrive in the coming years.
“And although Rangers will be big favourites to make it two in a row this season, the fact is they’ll have a much better chance with Goldson at the heart of their defence.
“It’s no coincidence he is one central defender who plays every game. Filip Helander, Leon Balogun, Jack Simpson and maybe Niko Katic this season will come in and out of the team but Goldson is the constant.
“Now, he might well sign an extension and if he does I’m sure Gerrard will be delighted. But if he doesn’t, and fancies going back to England next summer, I’m convinced he’ll want to do that with more medals in his kitbag.
“He was a man-mountain for Rangers last season – an absolute rock who emerged as a proper leader of the team. In his first season, I thought he had the odd mistake in him but he’s clearly worked on his game and was outstanding in the last campaign.
“There’s a real strong mentality and while we’ve seen plenty of examples of players running down their contracts and maybe taking their foot off the gas, I don’t think there’s a chance in hell of him going down that route.
“He’ll want to be part of another success and he won’t be alone.”
Rangers’ colossus is most important player at Ibrox just now
Goldson’s future is a massive concern as he goes into the last year of his deal and, while he will no doubt want to head down south again, Rangers will be doing everything to secure him.
Losing Goldson would be a big blow and, while some argue he’s earned the right to go for free, it still leaves Rangers with a gaping hole to fill – and no extra cash to do it with.
Despite having a wealth of central defenders, none of them are as important to the side as Goldson is.
Getting a new deal done for him is vital in the coming weeks and the prospect of losing him for free in less than 12 months is one Rangers will need to be prepared for.
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