In focus: Rangers will surely beat Celtic in reported race to sign classy int’l midfielder

by | Apr 11, 2019 |

In focus: Rangers will surely beat Celtic in reported race to sign classy int’l midfielder

Rangers and Celtic are reportedly in a race to sign Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie in the summer transfer window with the midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.

Bristol Live has reported that Bristol City are also battling it out with the Old Firm rivals for the signature of the 27-year-old, who may well be on his way out of Pittodrie in the coming months after four years as a Dons player.

IS HE SPECIAL?

Shinnie can play as both a left-back and a defensive midfielder, but the Scotland international has been utilised more as the latter when playing for Aberdeen this season. He has made 44 appearances in all competitions this season for Derek McInnes’ side, scoring four goals and supplying four assists whilst anchoring the Dons midfield. Remarkably, Shinnie has played every minute of every game in every competition for Aberdeen this season, captaining them to a Scottish League Cup final and the Scottish Cup semi-finals, where the Dons will play against Celtic on Sunday. Considering he is going to be available for free in the summer, he would be a superb signing for both Rangers or Celtic.

WHERE WILL HE FIT INTO TEAM?

Rangers are surely in pole position to sign the classy Aberdeen midfielder because it is hard to see him fitting in at Celtic. Although Shinnie is a good player, he is not as good as what Celtic already have and there is little chance that he would settle for a back-up role at Parkhead when Rangers might promise him a key role in their first team. Shinnie is a real leader of a player and part of the reason why Aberdeen have done so well in recent seasons is because of his influence in the side. Rangers could do with an extra midfielder or two in the summer as both Lassana Coulibaly and Steven Davis might not have their loan deals extended. Graham Dorrans is also facing an uncertain future due to his serious injury issues, so there will be space for a player like Shinnie to come in, for free, at Ibrox in the summer. Bristol City are also reportedly interested in Shinnie, but unless they win an unlikely promotion to the Premier League this term, he would surely prefer to join one of the Old Firm sides.

INTERESTING FACT

Shinnie’s run of playing in every match this season will come to an end on Sunday as he is suspended for Aberdeen’s semi-final showdown with Celtic in the Scottish Cup.