Ryan Babel set to be released and Steven Gerrard must bring him to Rangers
It looks as though Besiktas could be about to let Ryan Babel leave the Turkish club. As reported by multiple outlets in Turkey and the Netherlands, including Milliyet, the Dutch international is to leave on a free transfer. According to the report, Besiktas are in financial trouble. They released former Real Madrid defender Pepe over the weekend and Babel will now follow. His contract was due to expire in the summer and Besiktas could not offer him a new deal.
It means Babel will be on the hunt for a new club in the weeks to come and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard must take notice.
Babel and Gerrard were on good terms at Liverpool when the pair both played at Anfield under Rafa Benitez and Kenny Dalglish.
Babel backed Gerrard after accusations of racism from El-Hadji Diouf and even admitted to Goal he’d like to reunite with the former Liverpool captain at LA Galaxy back in 2015.
“If it fits in with my career, it will be a challenge for me to play for a MLS team. If that would be Steven Gerrard’s club, that would be very special.”
– Ryan Babel on the possibility of playing with Steven Gerrard again
Rangers, therefore, have a perfect ‘in’ if Babel does become available on a free. Gerrard needs another striker at Ibrox. Alfredo Morelos cannot seem to stay on the pitch, Kyle Lafferty has struggled and Umar Sadiq’s loan spell from Roma has been disappointing.
Babel could easily fulfil that role for Rangers.
After a slight blip in his career, Babel is currently enjoying an Indian summer of sorts. He has turned things around in Turkey and is currently a key member of Ronald Koeman’s resurgent Netherlands side.
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 05: Steven Gerrard celebrates his goal with Ryan Babel during the Port of Rotterdam Tournament match between Feyenoord and Liverpool at the De Kuip Stadium on August 5,2007 in Rotterdam,Holland. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Rangers also have a history as a haven for Dutch talent. Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Frank and Ronald de Boer and Michael Mols have all had success at Ibrox.
Rangers fans would no doubt welcome Babel to the fold and he would give them a star quality they are perhaps currently lacking.
Wages may be an issue, but Gerrard’s influence could hopefully convince Babel into a pay cut.
It would give the Dutchman the chance to play regular football in Glasgow, score goals and push for silverware. All the while, he would remain in contention for the Dutch national team going into Euro 2020.
Rangers should certainly be considering this former Gerrard team-mate.
