“I Don’t Think There Is Any Doubt” Laudrup Claims Gio Already Has Top January Transfer Target In Mind

“I Don’t Think There Is Any Doubt” Laudrup Claims Gio Already Has Top January Transfer Target In Mind

Rangers legend Brian Laudrup believes that Gers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be prioritising a centre-back in the January transfer window.

Laudrup claims that the uncertainty surrounding Connor Goldson’s future and his poor recent form means that van Bronckhorst will want to reinforce his options at the back:

“I don’t think there is any doubt centre back would be a priority area if van Bronckhorst has scope to make additions in January. He’s tight for options there through injuries in any case, but the whole scenario surrounding Goldson adds another complication to the picture. We’re only a matter of weeks away from the former Brighton defender being able to speak to other clubs.”

As Laudrup mentions, Goldson’s current deal expires at the end of the season, and that is a key problem that will have to be addressed sooner rather than later.


Director of Football Ross Wilson is adamant that the Scottish champions won’t break their wage structure to accommodate the demands of any player and Laudrup can see parallels in Goldson’s situation to the way he left on a free transfer for Chelsea:

“His form has not been great. There is noise around everything he does. I’ve been there in my own career so I can understand some of his situation. Right now, it’s not one that’s really benefitting either the player or the club. When you’re coming to the end of a long-term contract, as happened with me at Rangers in 1998, you are suddenly faced with uncertainty.”

“Whatever the case, it’s awkward. Clearly, it’s in Goldson’s interest to play as well as he can, even if he is not going to be at Rangers. That’s just simple logic in terms of attracting offers. The problem comes if your performances take a dip. And Goldson, for whatever reason, hasn’t been playing nearly as well as he did last season.”

Rangers’ defensive issues do need to be addressed, and Laudrup hits the nail on the head in terms of Goldson’s future. The current stalemate is not helping anyone. Whether the 28-year-old will be let go in January, we shall have to wait and see. West Ham have been linked in the past but there has been no concrete interest in the player recently.