Richard Gough says keep Connor Goldson at Rangers over the next four years will SAVE £10m – and the iconic captain thinks he could have had a key role.
The legendary captain of nine consecutive teams since the 1990s feels it is huge for him to keep Goldson as he looks certain to leave. Gio van Bronckhorst and will feel like a top new signing.
The former Brighton defender has agreed a four-year contract.
And Gough has revealed he could have played a key role in persuading the 29-year-old to overlook potential moves to Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa as he spoke to him after Rangers reached Okay Europa League Final.
Speak privately with Scottish Express Sport“I spoke to him after the Leipzig game and I knew at the time there was a lot of talk about him going back to England,” Gough said.
“He was a big family man and probably had a feeling of going back to it all – and his wife’s family as well.
“I just feel that Rangers is under your skin – especially if you’ve been involved in the big nights he’s had, and he’s won a couple of titles.
“He’s got a taste of it and he’s going to want more.
“I’m sure he’s had a lot of offers back to England – but I told him he might have an offer to a bigger league but he’s never going to find one. bigger club.
“I don’t know if my words have anything to do with it, but hopefully it has given him some determination.
“He just played in a Europa League Final – and he would never do it in England because he won’t be sought after by one of the top clubs.
“It’s like a new signing that keeps him at the club. He’s so fit, he rarely misses a game – just like James Tavernier.
“It’s great for the club. He has a great relationship with everyone.
“Yes, he had that problem saying a few things after the League Cup semi-final but he recovered after that and he had a great end to the season.
“To replace him you would have to spend between £8m and £10m – under current transfer fees.
“And then you need a ‘new’ player to settle in, which is never easy when you move to Rangers.”
It’s been a good week for Rangers with Steve Davis also signing up for another year, following Scott Arfield, and John Souttar is now a Rangers player after
“Now Rangers has strength in that department with John Souttar coming in and Calvin Bassey in there and Filip Helander back – plus Leon Balogun could also re-sign.
“So we don’t need to worry about that part of the team.
“Connor helped develop Bassey and he will do the same with Souttar.
“He’s 29 and entering his prime as a player and Rangers will benefit.”
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