Rangers targeting Gareth McAuley makes more sense after Katic deal

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Glasgow Rangers are reportedly hoping to bring Gareth McAuley to Ibrox this summer.

While Rangers fans would have expected an overhaul of the squad after Steven Gerrard’s appointment at Ibrox in the weeks following another underwhelming Scottish Premiership campaign, it may have taken some of the Gers supporters by surprise when the Daily Record reported earlier this month that the club were keen on signing Gareth McAuley on a free transfer.

McAuley is potentially going to be a free agent this summer with his West Brom contract coming to an end, and the Record reported that Rangers have reached out with a one-year deal that the Northern Irishman is apparently keen to consider.

The 38-year-old has been a superb servant during his time with the Baggies. And while he did not play a prominent role this past season, his stats in recent years suggest that he has the kind of longevity that has previously only tended to be seen in goalkeepers – and David Weir.

Nevertheless, his age has concerned quite a few supporters who are hoping that Gerrard’s appointment is the catalyst for a bright chapter in the club’s history. But perhaps the interest has started to make a lot more sense given the deal that Rangers have just pulled off.

According to the Daily Mail, Rangers have spent £1.5 million on Nikola Katic, bringing the one-time Croatia international in on a four-year deal. He boasts a lot more experience than a lot of players of his age, but he is still an unproven talent that is going to need time to adapt to his new surroundings given that he is still learning his trade.

Bruno Alves’ presence in the squad should help him, but there were reports from the Daily Record that the Portuguese’s Rangers future is uncertain, so if he leaves, Gerrard may want to add greater experience to his ranks.

Signing McAuley on a free is not only a low-risk way for Gerrard to add further depth and quality to his defensive options, but he may also perhaps be the ideal player to take Katic, and others such as Ross McCrorie, under his wing.

McAuley may not be the marquee target that Rangers fans were hoping for perhaps, but with players like Katic in the ranks, it seems highly possible that the veteran may be the kind of signing who contributes a lot more than what the fans see in his performances out on the pitch.