Fans and experts keeping track Scottish football would admit hands down that Rangers had a successful transfer window, managing to bring in players who would not just add to the numbers but would also help strengthen the squad considerably.
As many as eight players made their way through the Ibrox door over the summer, but there is still room for more as clubs are still allowed to sign players who are free agents.
One particular name has been doing the rounds at Rangers more than any other. Jack Wilshere was released by West Ham United on deadline day, two years after arriving from Arsenal.
In spite of former players like Micah Richards feeling that it is difficult for managers to put faith in the England international now, the 28-year-old himself insists that he still has something to offer to the game.
“I’m still only 28 and feel fit, strong and ready to play. I am still incredibly hungry, ambitious and desperate to play football and achieve success.”
The news of a possible move for the Arsenal academy graduate to Ibrox has got the Rangers fans excited. Steven Gerrard’s side were 2/5 favourites, according to the bookies to land the player until recently, indicating a 71 per cent implied probability.
So, if Jack Wilshere indeed moves to Ibrox, what would Rangers get? Will he be worth the risk?
Pros of Rangers signing Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere started his career with a lot of promise and was tipped to be the next big star of English football. However, recurring injury problems have meant that Wilshere didn’t get the chance to fulfil his promise.
In an interview back in 2015, Wilshere’s former manager Arsene Wenger admitted to overplaying him, which might have had an adverse effect on the midfielder’s career.
“Maybe when he was younger we overplayed him because he was such a good player but now we are cautious with him.”
Arsene Wenger
However, Jack Wilshere’s abilities have never been in doubt. His former team-mate and current Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his hope of seeing the 28-year-old come back stronger. Arteta said in September:
“He’s shown time and time again after, that it doesn’t matter how bad those look, he always finds himself in a position to get back and hopefully he can do that again. I think not just me, but everyone else here wishes him all the best. I hope he can come back, he’s done it many, many times. I hope he can maintain that mental strength and that willingness to still be as good as he can, because he deserves that.”
There is no doubting the fact that the intensity of Scottish football is lower compared to that in England. Also, the winter break north of the border is a welcome bonus for any player looking to recuperate after the busy festive schedule.
A move to Rangers might , therefore, suite Wilshere as he would get more time to rest after a 90-minute toil on the pitch.
Also, Steven Gerrard already has a number of midfield options at his disposal, meaning he has the option to rotate his squad after a high-intensity game.
For example, after a gruelling midweek Europa League match, where Gerrard might think of using Jack Wilshere’s experience, he can very well rest the England international for the weekend against a less-fancied side such as Dundee United or Motherwell.
Cons of Rangers signing Jack Wilshere
There certainly is more pros than cons in a possible deal for Jack Wilshere. At 28, the midfielder certainly has more to offer to the game than one would believe.
However, one has to take into consideration his history with recurring injuries. Over the course of his two-year stay at West Ham, Wilshere managed just 19 appearances, with injuries making him miss more than 50 games.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who had to face similar issues during his playing days, feels that it is sad to see such fate befall any player. He said in an interview with the BBC:
“I think for Jack Wilshere now, managers just don’t trust him anymore, and it’s sad because I don’t like to see that of any player. He’s still only 28 and we all know he’s got great ability but he just hasn’t managed to do it often enough and unfortunately for him, injury has played a massive part in it.”
Steven Gerrard, therefore, has to be absolutely sure that he can trust Jack Wilshere when he becomes a Rangers player.
After all, the Englishman will have a significant impact on the club’s wage budget and the Gers will want him to play an influential role as they aim to stop Celtic from winning their 10th successive Scottish Premiership title.
Should Rangers sign Jack Wilshere?
At the end of the discussion, it can be said that it is hard to have players of Jack Wilshere’s quality available in the market for free. Such an opportunity has come up because of West Ham’s decision to release the player late on deadline day.
And Rangers, on the quest to stop Celtic from making it ten-in-a-row, have to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Also Read: Reviewing Rangers’ summer signings