There was a brief moment when it at least looked like Jesse Lingard might’ve been more likely to join Rangers than FC Seoul.
The former England international and ex-Manchester United attacking midfielder was a more recent example of a glamorous name being linked to the Ibrox side.
Linked first in 2020 and again the summer, Jesse Lingard is just one a number of big names on big wages who are routinely linked to Rangers in the press.
Only in the summer was the likes of Eden Hazard being mentioned alongside Rangers before retiring. And not without good reason.
Rangers have in the past, the likes of Jermaine Defoe or Aaron Ramsey being the most recent examples, signed players who fit this “one-last-shot-at-glory” archetype.
But some comments from Jesse Lingard’s manager in Korea about the player’s application suggests that if Rangers’ interest in the 31-year-old was legitimate, we’ve dodged a bullet.
Jesse Lingard slaughtered by FC Seoul manager
FC Seoul manager Kim Gi-dong has publicly slammed Jesse Lingard for a lack of application since moving to the K-League.
Having made three appearances in the league this season, it’s clear the Korean manager does not rate the forward’s enthusiasm for the game.
The issue has gotten so bad that now the Seoul boss is considering dropping the Englishman.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about removing Jesse (Lingard),” said Ki-dong. “I don’t think a player who doesn’t run for a few minutes is a football player.
“If he doesn’t fight, and doesn’t run better than the player who runs for 90 minutes? If you’re going to play soccer in the name, shouldn’t you just take the retired players?”
Ouch.
Rangers player trading transfer policy shift
Not only does the comments of the FC Seoul boss highlight just how terrible a move Jesse Lingard would’ve been for Rangers, but it also raises another debate about transfer strategies.
Rangers chairman John Bennett made a big deal about improving the player trading model at Ibrox at the most recent AGM and we’re seeing the result of that already.
Signing players like Mohamed Diomande or Oscar Cortes is the future at Ibrox, whilst glamour signings – which have always had mixed results – will likely be a thing of the past.
And we’re not against it.
Whilst every squad requires balance and it’s up to Philippe Clement to strike it, the changing nature of football and academies ensure that footballers become more equipped at a younger age.
Rangers too, as the club looks to maximise its potential at home and abroad, can bank substantial profits on any emerging success stories.
Older players with sizeable reputations, on the other hand, demand big money with some notable flops over the years. Joey Barton, anyone?
It’s a sign of the times and not only does Jesse Lingard’s application highlight the situation, Rangers appear to have made the right choice when it comes to signing the player.
