Kevin van Veen situation has changed, could ‘play into Rangers’ hands’ in January transfer window
According to Dean Jones, Rangers may still gain from Kevin van Veen’s improved personal circumstances because he is now prepared to return to Scotland.
The former Motherwell striker’s scoring record in the SPFL gives him a “edge” over other targets, but the TEAMtalk journalist told GiveMeSport on January 5 that he isn’t sure the Light Blues will actually make a move for him.
The 32-year-old, who left for Groningen in the summer, looks like he may be ready to return given the consideration of his first kid at the same time as Philippe Clement is anticipated to want to buy a striker.
Jones said: “In terms of what you’d be getting for the second half of the season, it would be a big lift. I’m just not convinced that they’ll actually go ahead with it.
“There are obvious reasons to feel that the links might fit and the fact that he got 20 goals in the SPL last time out gives them a little edge on other targets they might be looking at in a moment like this.
“I think the most intriguing factor around it is that is life situation seems to have changed, and his personal life might mean that he is interested in a move back to Scotland so that could play into Rangers’ hands here.“It’s definitely an interesting one to consider, but I’m not sure that there’s loads in it at the moment.”
On paper there is a fairly decent argument for Rangers to pick Van Veen up this month given there aren’t a huge number of options who have proven they can score regularly in the Scottish Premiership who are available and affordable.
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland would be the obvious answer if a deal could be done, with interest on the part of the Gers and the Scot himself.
However, the Jambos present a very different scenario and might have easily priced him out of an Ibrox switch—at least for this window.
A reasonably cheap Van Veen deal might work unless Clement and his hiring team can find replacements elsewhere that can be brought in without going over budget.
It’s unclear, though, if Groningen would be open to it or if the forward’s advanced age renders it irrelevant.
If Rangers decide to look elsewhere, there is a clear risk that new hires may find it difficult to adjust, as was the case with Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers, and Danilo, who were all signed in the summer.
Furthermore, 25 league strikes for Motherwell in the previous campaign is undoubtedly impressive.
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