Now that Alfredo Morelos is back in training it looks as though the Rangers fans are being softened up to expect a sale.
The Rangers PR machines are again in action, but with a switch in approach to help get fans onside. There is talk of the Castore kit deal being slow to get going due to some legacy issues. James Bisgrove, Marketing and Commercial Director at the club has admitted on a Heart and Hand podcast reported via Videocelt that these are holding up the release of next season’s Ibrox kits. And no-one seems clear on how, or if, Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct Group has been paid off to release their claim. That might need a few quid urgently!
And then we see the Glasgow Live site talking about how maybe the time is right to sell Morelos. And quoting Celtic’s model of selling at the right time as one to follow, Kieran Tierney being quoted as a £25m example.
It it’s their focus and comments about Morelos that strike a new approach. These seem to be paving the way for a sale by pointing out to Rangers fans that moving on their top scorer is actually a good thing.
They reference his form last season in Glasgow Live’s latest:
"“His 28 goals before Christmas was nothing short of remarkable, but his slump after the winter break was equally mindboggling.”"
And while Rangers media supporters have generally been accepting of Morelos and his temperament, pleading a tortured soul suffering from the actions of others, they’ve hit out at him more strongly this time.
"“You then throw in his off-field issues, the indiscipline Rangers have failed to stamp out and it’s fair enough to question which Alfredo Morelos we’ll be seeing when football starts back up again.”"
None of which mentions his fitness and general shape. Footage of him in training on the clubs media yesterday didn’t show a speedy svelte figure back and racing to go.
And rather pointedly perhaps at Morelos’s wayward attempts to score in the last League Cup Final against Celtic the article asks
"“What’s the point in those 30-40 goals if they don’t win you silverware? If you can’t give him the help he needs, it’s time to improve the team without him.”"
A sale could bring in much needed funds, though how much is up for huge debate. It’s likely to be a lot less than the ridiculous figures bandied around beige coronavirus issues slashed income at many clubs. And perhaps to emphasise that point the article goes on to say that they might as well sell Tavernier and Barisic alongside.
"“They’re not indispensable and the team could actually improve as a whole if the funds are used wisely.”"
Then as further evidence of getting the Rangers fans onside with the idea of selling Morelos, a later article at Glasgow Live reports that fans have agreed with the idea in a poll they ran.
"62% of people that took part said the Light Blues should sell Morelos this summer – if they reinvest the money.Whereas only 38% of participants said Rangers need to keep the Colombian at all costs."
It’s not clear how many fans voted and as the poll results indicate, those voting in favour are unlikely to want to see the proceeds go to pay off debts.
For a club where the rescue plan is nearly always about finding ways to get players in, regardless of money issues, an approach to sell their better ones and live off the scraps is quite novel. Their fans will take some persuasion, but the story is being primed again and again now to do that.