Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet claim that Rangers defender Filip Helander could return to his home country and leave Ibrox on a free transfer to join Malmo in the summer – with his contract in Glasgow due expire in the summer.
Helander, 29, has failed to play for Rangers since April. Having overcome a knee injury that ruled the Sweden star out of action for the majority of 2021-22, he then picked up an injury during a 4-0 win over St. Mirren. He is yet to return.
It has meant that over the past 18 months, Helander has only played 11 games – with more than eight months since his last outing. In almost four years at Ibrox, Helander has clocked up just 60 matches in all competitions for Rangers.
But, Michael Beale is holding out hope for Helander. The defender signed during Beale’s first stint at the club. So, a decision needs to be made by Rangers – and Helander. Do Rangers give him a new deal, despite his numerous injuries?
Or, do they left his contract expire and allow Helander to move on to pastures new? Aftonbladet report that Swedish side Malmo are looking at a move to lure Helander back to his home country. A free transfer, pre-contract agreement.
Rangers defender Helander could join Malmo on a free transfer
Rangers have numerous options at centre-back. Connor Goldson and Ben Davies have started to form a relationship at centre-back. The ex-Liverpool man finally starting to show why the Gers paid £4million to sign him last summer.
Rangers also have Leon King, who has just signed a new deal. John Souttar is edging closer to a return after a number of issues with injuries. Then, James Sands remains on loan at the club. So, Helander is not particularly needed at Ibrox.
But, is he an improvement? Well, the £3million signing is certainly an improvement on Sands, who has been woeful ever since joining Rangers. At his best, he is as good as Davies or Souttar – but, and crucially, he lacks speed.
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