Noel Whelan has offered his thoughts on Connor Goldson's contract situation at Rangers...
What's the talk?
Ex-Premier League striker Noel Whelan has said that Goldson's contract situation at Ibrox is worrying as he only has 12 months left to run on his current deal.
The central defender will become a free agent in the summer of 2022 if he does not put pen to paper to an extension on his current £27k-per-week deal, which Whelan is backing the club to get done.
“It is a big worry, absolutely.
“He was so important to them last season. We all know what a good player he is and he is the one constant in that backline. I’m sure there is a huge amount of respect between him and Steven Gerrard.
“Negotiations over new contracts are never as easy as you think. Rangers will have a finite amount of money that they can pay in wages but talks will be ongoing.
“To be honest, I can see him signing a new deal. He is at a club that is going in a great direction. He has the Champions League to look forward to this year.”
Fans would be devastated
Ross Wilson must avoid making a howler with Goldson over the next 12 months. The Rangers chief has to ensure that he can pin him down to a contract extension as soon as possible to avoid losing him for nothing next summer, which would undoubtedly infuriate the fans.
Supporters would be devastated to see one of the club's best performers depart on a free transfer, as Rangers would receive no money in return to replace him.
The £6.75m-rated beast was sublime in the Scottish Premiership last season as the club won the title, averaging a phenomenal WhoScored rating of 7.38 - a figure that only Joe Aribo, James Tavernier and Ryan Kent were able to better.
Earlier this year, Gers boss Steven Gerrard heaped praise on the former Brighton man, calling him an absolute “mountain” at the back and hailing his leadership. He told The Scotsman:
“Connor has been an absolute mountain for this team, a warrior.
“I can’t describe to you how well he has done for this team, not just in terms of what you have seen on the pitch but also his leadership on the inside of the club and his availability every single day.”
This shows how important the 28-year-old is to the club and why allowing him to leave on a free would represent a gigantic howler from Wilson.
He must now work hard behind the scenes to reach an agreement over fresh terms with the defender to secure his future at Ibrox. If not, it will leave fans furious for the club for allowing this situation to drag on.
AND in other news, Time to go: Rangers must ruthlessly axe £9k-p/w “warrior”, Gerrard doesn't need him...