Fernando Torres struggles in Japan suggest he would have been expensive flop for Rangers

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This summer saw Rangers bring Steven Gerrard to Ibrox. The marquee appointment had the fans in Glasgow going wild over such a legendary name taking the job. Soon after his arrival, some big names started to be mentioned.

Many fans hoped Rangers’ new boss could use his old connections to bring in top talent he knew from his playing days.

The likes of Jermain Defoe and John Terry were mentioned. Another player some fans clamoured for was Fernando Torres.

The Spanish striker played with Gerrard at Liverpool and the two formed a special bond.

However, Gerrard did not react to the clamour from some for such marquee arrivals. Instead, he used his connections to bring in young players such as Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent and struggling former talent Jon Flanagan.

Torres, a free agent after ending his spell with beloved Atletico Madrid, headed to Japan. He signed a lucrative deal with Sagan Tosu. Rangers fans never truly thought they could get their hands on Torres, but it was a nice pipe-dream while it lasted.

However, they should be happy they didn’t. Torres has been in decline for some time but his form in Japan has been alarmingly disappointing.

The 34-year-old has scored just two goals in 13 J-League appearances for his side, who are currently battling relegation.

Rangers, who face Spartak Moscow in the Europa League tomorrow night, will be glad that Gerrard stuck to his guns and decided not to bring in a player such as Torres. Based on his Japan form, he would have been an expensive luxury item that provided little use.