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

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. 

The Sun, nearly two years ago now, wrote at the time that Mason Holgate was wanted on loan by Monaco after falling out of favour under Rafael Benitez at Goodison Park. And there are no prizes for guessing who took over as the head coach of Monaco earlier that very 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 Holgaate

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?

Well, Holgate’s versatility is likely to appeal. The one-time West Brom loanee can play at full-back, at centre-half, and even in defensive midfield. Holgate’s passing ability could help Rangers become a better side when plying out from the back too, while also giving Clement another option for the right-sided centre-back role. Rangers rested Conor Goldson in Saturday’s clash with Dundee and, in his absence, were fortunate to only concede the once.

And while Holgate has fallen on hard times of late, it is only two-and-a-half years since he was a regular starter under now-Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, labelled ‘brilliant’ and tipped to become a ‘top player’ after helping Everton secure a famous 2-0 win away at Liverpool in early-2021 (Daily Mail).

Holgate needs a fresh start

“His form for Everton has been excellent,” Rio Ferdinand, one of the modern eras finest centre-halves, told Everton’s website during the Ancelotti era.

“He’s defending well. And we all knew that he could pass and play, but I think he’s brought that to another level this season. He’s shown authority in the way he has played.

“Everton have got one of the best young centre-halves in the country.”

Having turned 27 in October, Holgate is no longer one of the kids. But, with his career stalling and his potential threatening to go unfulfilled, a long-term admirer like Philippe Clement may be the coach Holgate needs.