This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
Steven Gerrard has hinted that he’ll happily discuss a permanent deal for 36 year-old Jermain Defoe, if he keeps up his early season form, as reported by The Scottish Sun.
What’s the story?
Defoe has started the season excellently and his boss will be more than happy to reward the veteran with a deal if he keeps up this form. Signed on loan from Bournemouth in January, the veteran front man is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning the Gers could snap him up permanently for free.
Watch Rangers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
Despite mostly playing a back-up role to Alfredo Morelos, the ex-Spurs striker hasn’t struggled to hit the back of the net. Defoe has managed to score a goal every 52.4 minutes on average this season, having notched five times in six outings.
This form is the exact reason Gerrard has talked of giving the loanee a permanent deal, as he stated: “If Jermain stays in the form he is in, Jermain has a conversation with me at some stage further on in the season. I will reward players who reward me with performances.”
A great deal
At 36, most players would be looking to wind down their careers, yet thanks to an incredibly healthy lifestyle, Defoe could play for a few more campaigns at this level. He is a vegan and has spoken of the benefits that his lifestyle has had on his career resurgence since a move to MLS and Toronto in 2014.
Check out Keith from C’mon the Hoops’ fascinating video on the origins of the Old Firm derby below…
Based on Gerrard’s comments and Defoe’s early season form, if he does earn a permanent stay you’d have to imagine he’ll have hit 20 goals minimum, which would make him an absolute steal to get free next summer.
At his age he will have virtually no sell-on value, but that really doesn’t matter if he guarantees the side an extra 20 goals per season, on top of what is already provided by the mercurial Alfredo Morelos.
A deal for Defoe would also ensure that the club have two proven goalscorers in their ranks, making this a no-brainer for the boss – not many clubs can boast one elite goalscorer, let alone two.
Signing the Bournemouth man could prove a masterstroke from Gerrard, particularly if it helps him on his way to that first piece of managerial silverware.
[ad_pod ]
