Four players Steven Gerrard could bring to Aston Villa from Rangers in the January transfer window

Steven Gerrard and his staff are through the door now at Villa Park but could he bring any players with him in January?
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Aston Villa have their man. Steven Gerrard is the new Head Coach at Villa Park.

With him, he brings a strong backroom staff that includes former Villa assistant manager Gary McAllister, as well as Michael Beale, Tom Culshaw & Jordan Milsom.

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However, will these be the only names linking up with Gerrard from north of the border?

It’s not uncommon for a manager to poach former players when they leave one club for another. Bringing in players that they have previously worked with gives them added security. They trust them and know exactly what it is that they are going to get from them.

And one thing is for sure - if Gerrard does come calling - there’s a slim chance any would be saying no.

Regardless of personal opinion on the SPL, there are some real talented players in the Rangers squad, there’s no denying it.

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Not all would be quite what Villa are after but there are a few and it would be no surprise to see some of them wearing the claret & blue come January.

Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard and Bongani Zungu of Rangers are seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and AberdeenRangers Manager Steven Gerrard and Bongani Zungu of Rangers are seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen
Rangers Manager Steven Gerrard and Bongani Zungu of Rangers are seen during the Scottish Premiership match between Rangers and Aberdeen

Borna Barisic

Matt Targett has struggled at left-back this year. He may flourish under Gerrard but to date he’s had a really rough season and he knows it.

One thing that he hasn’t had this year is competition. Barisic would offer that and may even take the starting role from Targett.

The Croatian has been an integral part in Rangers’ success under Gerrard and has been an ever-present at the position since his arrival in 2018.

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He’s 29 now, has vast experience and offers goals and assists - one of the key things the new manager requires from his team.

The Liverpool legend has said on record that he wants two quality players at each position. Barisic would solve that problem at left-back.

Ryan Kent

Another ever-present for Gerrard in his three years in Scotland. The former Liverpool man, Kent, is a pacey winger that knows where the net is.

If, as expected, Villa revert to a 4-3-3 under the new boss, they could do with another option on the wing.

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For as good as Bertrand Traore is, his ability to stay fit and on the field just hasn’t been there - especially this season.

Leon Bailey hasn’t hit the ground running at all as of yet due to his injury problems and Emi Buendia has also struggled in the early stages of his Villa career.

If Gerrard wants a more reliable man to add depth to his front three - Kent wouldn’t be a bad option.

Alfredo Morelos

He wouldn’t so much cover a position of need but depending on how Gerrard assesses his centre-forward options when he arrives at Bodymoor Heath - a move for Morelos could be on the cards.

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The Colombian will provide plenty of red flags for lots of Villans out there due to his hot-headed nature and the fact he absolutely loves a sending off but there’s no denying his talent.

With no disrespect to the SPL, he’s got the ability to play at a higher level. It was widely speculated that he wanted out in the summer but was convinced to stay by both Gerrard and the board.

The former Liverpool captain put a lot of faith in Morelos during his time at Ibrox and despite his off the field issues, it was clear the scouser thinks highly of him.

Again, it’s not so much a position of need, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise all the same.

Current club: Rangers
Age: 25
Transfermarkt market value: £10.8m    (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)Current club: Rangers
Age: 25
Transfermarkt market value: £10.8m    (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Current club: Rangers Age: 25 Transfermarkt market value: £10.8m (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Joe Aribo

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Aribo, unlike Morelos, would address a position of need. Central midfield.

Villa have struggled no end this season in the middle of the park and have lost some games simply due to losing that battle.

Douglas Luiz has been consistent but in and out of the side due to injury and Jacob Ramsey has offered some much needed energy there but at 20-years-old it’s a lot of pressure to be put on him to provide the goods.

Aribo joined Rangers from Charlton Athletic in 2019 and has since solidified himself as a key player both domestically and in Europe for the club.

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He’s able to play central and out wide which is great for versatility and has provided 20 goals and 18 assists in 113 appearances at Ibrox.

The Nigerian international describes his strengths as “driving with the ball and getting up the pitch” - something Villa have desparately lacked this season.

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