Rolando Aarons needs game time with injuries ruining his Newcastle United opportunity – but could he find fitness and form at Rangers?
Mike Ashley’s nine per cent stake in Glasgow Rangers remains a major bone of contention among many Ibrox matchgoers.
Especially after former Rangers manager Kenny McDowell claimed in February 2015 that the club told him that five players signed on loan from Ashley’s primary club, Newcastle United, had to play in every game when fit, the BBC reports.
Though representatives from St James’ Park have always rejected the notion of any agreement, however, it’s fair to say Rangers did not benefit from the deal as much as they may have hoped.
Barring goalscoring midfielder Haris Vuckic, the remaining four, Gael Bigirimana, Shane Ferguson, Kevin Mbabu and Remi Streete, failed to truly impress at Ibrox.
However, perhaps this was merely the case of getting the wrong players. Two years on, Rangers fans would surely look more favourably on Ashley’s involvement if prodigious winger Rolando Aarons arrived in Glasgow attempting to rebuild a career ravaged by injuries.
Rolando to Rangers?
There’s no doubting Aarons’ ability. Each and every Newcastle fan will remember his stunning breakthrough performance in their 2-0 EFL Cup win at Manchester City in October 2014. Opening the scoring and running the hosts’ defence ragged with his rapid dribbling and superb ball control, Aarons looked like the real deal.
And, if it hadn’t been for a never-ending series of injuries, perhaps Aarons would already be an undisputed starter in Rafael Benitez’s first team. As it is, however, he has only played 18 league games in three years and appears in need of a fresh start.
Perhaps a year on loan at Rangers could be the opportunity he needs. Pedro Caixinha’s side need cutting edge and Aarons, a fast and incisive winger, would be far more useful than Martyn Waghorn’s perspiration over inspiration approach, for example.
And a short-term loan would be relatively low risk for both player and club. Ashley could also earn some much-needed popularity at Ibrox.
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