Ovie Ejaria Set for Rangers Loan

When it was announced that Steven Gerrard would be leaving the Liverpool under 18s to manage Rangers Football Club, there was inevitable talk about who he might take with him on loan. That he has appointed a number of people who have worked for Liverpool to his coaching staff made the link up even more obvious. So it’s not a surprise to hear that Ovie Ejaria may be making his way up north.

This is according to the Daily Record, who aren’t so trustworthy on Liverpool news, but as one of the most read papers in Scotland their Rangers sources are likely to be more solid. Ejaria had a solid but unspectacular loan spell at Sunderland in the second half of the 2017/18 season, though with the North East side getting relegated one imagines it was difficult for anyone to impress in that team. There is a sense that perhaps his progression has stalled a bit at Anfield, so giving him first team football every week under a manager trusted by the club may be the best move to kickstart his career.

The report also suggests that Rangers are interested in bringing Dominic Solanke to the club on loan. Solanke has divided opinion somewhat this year, managing to put up very impressive stats in terms of expected goals and assists but struggling to finish his chances. While there is a temptation to give him regular first team football, it’s important to remember that the Scottish Premiership is a significant step down from the English Premier League. I personally would like to see him remain at Liverpool as a backup for Roberto Firmino, but if a loan move is sanctioned, a Premier League club would be a much better fit.

There’s a lot of hope among Liverpool supporters that Steven Gerrard can be a success at Rangers, and as such the Ejaria move will be welcomed. It is important, though, that any loan moves are done on the basis of being the right fit for the player and Liverpool. Ejaria can do well in Scotland, but Solanke may be ready for a higher level right now.