Rangers suffer ‘massive blow’ as Rory Wilson news confirmed – expert
Alan Hutton has claimed Rangers have suffered a “massive blow” by losing Rory Wilson to Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Gers defender said fans will “understand” the 16-year-old’s decision.
Aston Villa confirmed the signing of the Scotland international on Monday (5 July).
The forward joins Steven Gerrard’s side following the expiration of his Rangers contract.
Wilson will go straight into Villa’s academy system after signing his first professional deal.
When asked how big a loss the move would be for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team, Hutton told Football Insider’s Charlotte Cohen: “I think it’s a massive blow.
“It’s probably up there with the likes of Billy Gilmour and these kind of guys that have left for compensation deals.
“We’re talking about a 16-year-old so we know it’s only potential at this moment in time, but he scored 49 goals last season, that’s an incredible return.
“He’s breaking into the international scene, he’s scoring goals there and Steven Gerrard will know him well so he understands what he’s getting. He’s probably seen him in training as well throughout the season.
“So to lose somebody like that, it’s kind of annoying. I’m only thinking from a fan’s point of view you want to see these guys come through and break into the first team. To see them leave for compensation, £350k or whatever, it is a bit of a shame.
“The lure of the Premier League is massive and Steven Gerrard obviously. So it’s a decision that you kind of understand.
“Hopefully he can go down there and go from strength to strength and that hopefully helps Scotland in the future.“
In other news, a Rangers expert has issued his Leon King prediction amid ‘big’ verdict.