Rangers have been presented with an opportunity to bolster their midfield in January with the potential acquisition of Chelsea’s young midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka. The move comes as Philippe Clement’s side looks to recover from a rocky start to the Scottish Premiership season.
Rangers’ Challenging Start
Currently, Rangers sit 11 points behind rivals Celtic and seven points adrift of Aberdeen, who have surged to second place under Jimmy Thelin. Losses to Kilmarnock, Aberdeen, and Celtic have added to the woes of Clement’s side, with the team failing to build the consistent winning streaks that traditionally characterize their campaigns.
Despite their domestic struggles, Rangers remain in contention for silverware. Their Europa League performances have been promising, and they still have opportunities in the Scottish Cups, including a League Cup semi-final clash against Celtic before Christmas. However, one glaring issue has been their midfield’s lack of consistency and attacking contributions.
The Midfield Dilemma
Rangers’ midfield has yet to establish itself as a reliable source of creativity and goals this season. The young duo of Connor Barron (22) and Mohamed Diomande (23) have anchored the midfield, while players like Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence, and Nicolas Raskin have rotated in more advanced roles.
A review of Rangers’ midfield performance reveals mixed results:
Player | Appearances | Goals & Assists |
---|---|---|
Mohamed Diomande | 11 | 3 |
Connor Barron | 13 | 0 |
Nicolas Raskin | 10 | 0 |
Ianis Hagi | 4 | 1 |
Kieran Dowell | 8 | 0 |
Tom Lawrence | 8 | 5 |
Nedim Bajrami | 9 | 1 |
While Tom Lawrence has shown flashes of brilliance with five goal contributions in eight games, the rest of the midfield has struggled to provide consistent attacking support. This has left new striker Cyriel Dessers carrying much of the offensive burden.
Enter Carney Chukwuemeka
Reports now indicate that Chelsea have offered Rangers the chance to sign Carney Chukwuemeka. The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in 2022, has seen limited game time at Stamford Bridge and is seeking regular first-team football.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s manager, acknowledged Chukwuemeka’s talent but admitted he is unlikely to get significant opportunities in London. “Carney is a very good player,” Maresca said. “But with us, is he going to play 35 games? I’m not sure. What he needs is a consistent run of matches to build his confidence and fitness.”
Chukwuemeka’s limited appearances this season have made him open to a move away, and Chelsea are reportedly willing to facilitate his departure on either a loan or permanent basis.
Financial Considerations
While a permanent transfer is unlikely due to Rangers’ financial constraints, a loan move could be feasible. However, the player’s £100,000-per-week wages could pose a significant challenge. Rangers would need Chelsea to subsidize a substantial portion of his salary to make the deal viable.
Chukwuemeka’s Profile
Known as a box-to-box midfielder with an eye for goal, Chukwuemeka has been touted as a player who could bring dynamism to Rangers’ midfield. During his time in Aston Villa’s youth setup, he earned a reputation for his technical ability, composure, and knack for arriving late in the box to score.
If Rangers secure his services, Chukwuemeka could add a much-needed attacking dimension to their midfield, complementing players like Tom Lawrence and helping to alleviate the creative burden on the team’s forwards.
Rangers’ Midseason Goals
For Philippe Clement, the January transfer window represents an opportunity to address the team’s weaknesses and lay the groundwork for a stronger second half of the season. Strengthening the midfield with a player of Chukwuemeka’s caliber could not only help Rangers close the gap on their league rivals but also enhance their chances of success in domestic and European competitions.
The Path Forward
While Rangers face stiff competition in the league, their Europa League campaign and cup runs offer a chance to salvage the season. A revitalized midfield could be the key to achieving those goals, and the potential addition of Carney Chukwuemeka would signal the club’s ambition to remain competitive on all fronts.
The next few weeks will be critical as Rangers work to finalize their transfer plans and position themselves for a strong finish to the season.