Rangers told to sign ‘amazing’ Joe Aribo replacement as £6m profit mooted – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted “fantastic” free agent Tom Lawrence can replace midfield star Joe Aribo at Rangers.
The former Aberdeen and Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old’s “box-to-box nature” means he will settle right in at Ibrox.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (6 July), Southampton are close to agreeing a fee of £6million plus add-ons for Rangers star Aribo, 25.
The Athletic reporter Jordan Campbell updated later that day, claiming the deal for the midfielder is worth a total of £10million and will also include a “significant sell-on percentage”.
YorkshireLive claimed on Thursday (7 July) that Lawrence, 28, has informed interested club Sheffield United of his decision to join Rangers – with a lucrative offer and European football big factors in his decision.
The free agent, who left Derby last month, notched 11 goals and five assists in the 2021-22 season.
When asked if Lawrence could replace Aribo at Ibrox, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, I do.
“I think Lawrence is an amazing player. He put the work in at Derby as they were going through a very bad period.
“I believe he’ll settle right in at Rangers. He was probably one of Derby’s best players for a number of years – with his assists, goals, and that box-to-box nature. He’s a real engine.
“He’d definitely complement that midfield at Ibrox. Van Bronckhorst is getting someone in who can replace Aribo as well as that £6million fee to spend elsewhere.”
Rangers have already sealed the signing of striker Antonio Colak this summer.
The Gers will enter the Champions League at the third qualifying round early in August.
In other news, Rangers TV pundit issues emphatic Cameron Bell prediction after confirmed news.