Rangers could reportedly sign ‘brilliant’ £2m player Clement wanted at Monaco

To better understand the rumours linking Rangers with a January swoop for Everton defender Mason Holgate, let us guide you in the direction a report published at the start of 2022. 

Almost two years ago, The Sun reported that Mason Holgate was desired by Monaco on loan after losing favor at Goodison Park under Rafael Benitez. Furthermore, it’s no secret who became Monaco’s new head coach earlier the same month.

Yes, this is not the first time a side managed by Philippe Clement have shown an interest in the former Barnsley stopper, Rangers waiting in the wings and ready to pick up where Monaco left off.

Rangers eye Everton defener Mason Holgate

Everton are expected to recall Holgate from a disappointing loan spell at Southampton over the coming weeks, with Rangers in contention for the 27-year-old’s signature alongside Watford and Middlesbrough (The Sun).

Holgate is not the first Everton misfit to be linked with a move Ibrox of late. Ben Godfrey, per 90Min, has admirers north of the border too. Holgate feels like the more attainable of the two, however, especially given that Godfrey – who once set Everton back an eye-watering £20 million – is being chased by clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

With all due respect to Watford and Middlesbrough, Rangers may fancy their chances a little more when it comes to beating the second-tier duo to Godfrey’s Toffees team-mate.

But what does Clement see in the former England U21 international?

Holgate’s adaptability is probably going to be appealing. The former West Brom loanee is capable of playing defensive midfield, center defender, and full back. With more options for Clement at right center back, Holgate’s passing ability might also help Rangers improve as a team when playing out of the back. In Saturday’s match against Dundee, Rangers rested Conor Goldson, and they were lucky to just surrender once while he was out.

Even though Holgate has recently struggled, it has only been two and a half years since he was a consistent starter for Real Madrid under current manager Carlo Ancelotti. Under Ancelotti, Holgate was called “brilliant” and predicted to become a “top player” after helping Everton to a historic 2-0 victory away at Liverpool in early 2021 (Daily Mail).

Rio Ferdinand, one of the best center-halves of the modern period, said on Everton’s website during the Ancelotti era, “His form for Everton has been excellent.”

Holgate needs a fresh start

“His defense is sound. We all knew he could play and pass, but this season, in my opinion, he’s elevated that to a new level. His style of play has demonstrated his authority.

“Everton boasts one of the nation’s best young center halves.”

Holgate is no longer a child; he turned 27 in October. But a longtime supporter like Philippe Clement might be the mentor Holgate needs given his stagnating career and the possibility that his talent will remain unrealized.

Rangers vs Real Betis was the opening encounter of the group back in September and former boss Michael Beale got off to a flier in the competition. Abdallah Sima was the hero that day as his second-half strike was enough to secure a superb 1-0 victory.

After that, Beale’s and Rangers’ season in the Europa League took a turn for the worse. In their two losses to the bottom-seeded UEFA team in the group, Aris Limassol, the Englishman lost his job.

After earning one point out of a potential six against the Cypriots, Rangers will now play a decisive match against Betis in a few days to determine who will finish first in the standings.

William Carvalho returns to confront The Rangers
Rangers believed that in order to avoid playing the seasoned Portuguese center midfielder William Carvalho, they would need to accomplish that. However, a study currently says differently.

Carvalho has declared he has miraculously recovered from a bad hamstring injury he suffered early in the season, according to freelance journalist Mark Walker.