Rangers have brought in defender Filip Helander from Bologna for a reported transfer fee of £3.5 million.
The centre-back has been on the radar of Steven Gerrard for some months now and last week, the Gers announced the signing with an official statement.
“RANGERS are delighted to announce the signing of Swedish defender Filip Helander from Bologna, subject to international clearance,” read the statement.
“The 6ft 4in centre half has spent the last four seasons in Italy’s top flight, Serie A, but will now join the Light Blues on a four-year deal.”
Filip Helander spoke after the transfer saying that it was an easy decision for him to make since he was eager to play under Steven Gerrard.
And now the manager has told the media as to why he signed the 26-year-old and what exactly will be expected from him during the 2019-20 season.
“He is another leader,” said Gerrard(as reported by Sky Sports).
“We want him to help us organise and keep clean sheets and defend the goal with his life.
“For the amount of money we have paid – £3m – we feel we have an excellent player.
“[Centre-back] is a position we’ve been looking for the right solution for a very long time. So, to have someone of his calibre, the height, the profile – it’s exactly what we’ve been looking for.
“We’re really relieved to get it over the line and now our centre-back positions are set now for a 60-game campaign.”
The defence was a major headache for Rangers last season and surely the manager has been focusing on strengthening his back line for the 2019-20 campaign.
And Filip Helander is a perfect step towards that process since the centre-back is known to be a strong tackler and is also great at making last-ditch challenges and blocks.
