‘Steven Gerrard to sign Jamie Vardy in Jermain Defoe role after Rangers return’
Steven Gerrard looks like he may be closing in on a return to Rangers and his first signing could already be in the pipeline ahead of the summer.
According to Sky Sports, Gerrard is one of multiple names spoken to by Rangers, and Kevin Thelwell and Patrick Stewart will not need to wait for 49ers Enterprises takeover to be completed before making a move.
Barry Ferguson‘s appointment was greeted with a lot of positivity, with some hoping for the former midfielder to stay on permanently, but many names have emerged in the race for the job.
Whoever is chosen to take over the current mess at Ibrox has a difficult challenge ahead of them, even with the new era beginning under 49ers’ reign, so signing an incredible goal threat on a free transfer would certainly help their cause.
Steven Gerrard to repeat Jermain Defoe trick at Ibrox
One of the most important players during Gerrard’s first reign at Ibrox was the incredibly talented England international Jermain Defoe, formerly of West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, and Bournemouth, and also boasting 57 caps for his country.
The 42-year-old scored seven goals in 20 appearances as the Gers beat Celtic to their 55th Scottish Premiership title, having already scored 17 goals in his first six months at the club the previous season.
Defoe, who boasts 163 Premier League goals and has written himself into the history books in England, quickly became an integral part of Gerrard’s plans, even in the latter stages of his career as a valuable veteran presence.
The Liverpool legend, if he is now re-appointed as the new Rangers manager, will surely be hoping to bring a similar character to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, and he could come in the shape of Jamie Vardy.
| Player | Rangers appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Jermain Defoe | 74 | 32 | 10 |
Rangers to sign Jamie Vardy after Leicester City exit
Gers legend Ally McCoist, speaking on talkSPORT, believes the Leicester City striker has “something planned” for the summer, suggesting that a move to Glasgow would be the perfect signing for the Light Blues after his exit from the King Power, where the Premier League winner signs off with 200 club goals as arguably their finest ever player.
Football Insider understands that Crystal Palace have made contact with Vardy, but if the Gers are to decide on Gerrard’s future soon, he might be able to persuade the Leicester legend to come north of the border to fulfil the same role Defoe once did.
Given their similarities in terms of goalscoring abilities, playing style, and stature in the Premier League, it makes perfect sense for the latter’s next move to be joining Gerrard in Scotland.
Cyriel Dessers may have ended the Scottish Premiership campaign as the league’s top scorer but his reliability in front of goal fluctuates hugely, so even at 38 there looks to be a place for Vardy and his 145 Premier League strikes.
The Light Blues are also in desperate need of a leadership figure in the squad after the departures of Connor Goldson, Allan McGregor and Scott Arfield in recent seasons, especially as a new era begins, and after wearing the captain’s armband over the last few seasons at the King Power, the move makes sense for all parties.
Considering that Vardy is available on a free transfer, it is a low-risk move for the Gers and 49ers and would make a big splash to kick off the new era as Gerrard looks to reel in Celtic for a second time.