Charlie Adam believes Rangers have pulled off an “incredible” piece of business by signing Lawrence Shankland, but insists the move should have happened a year earlier.
The former Ibrox midfielder was speaking following confirmation that the Hearts captain has joined Rangers on a free transfer.
However, Adam reckons many Rangers fans will feel the deal has taken too long to complete. “I think if you asked a lot of supporters, it’s probably a year too late. [Betfred]
"They probably should have signed him last summer under Russell Martin. I thought he was a top performer for Hearts last year and he had a terrific season.”
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Despite that, Adam admits the move still represents a major coup for Rangers, especially given the circumstances. He said, “It would have been a tough decision leaving Hearts off the back of last season, but what an agent to get him to Rangers, his boyhood club, on a free transfer.
“He’s been desperate to play there all his career and he’s got that opportunity now, so let’s see if he can score the 20 goals that can help them close the gap.”
Adam also highlighted the behind-the-scenes work to get the deal over the line, praising both the player and the club. He concluded, “These negotiations wouldn’t have just happened overnight; they would have been going on for a few weeks, so to keep up his level of consistency has been incredible.
“People wanted it to happen, but there were no rumours of it and to realise it was a free transfer was an incredible piece of business from Rangers.”