Lille OSC’s pursuit of a top-class striker has taken an exciting turn as Colombian forward Alfredo Morelos has reportedly agreed personal terms with the French club. According to exclusive sources monitored by Baji, the 24-year-old Rangers talisman could be the perfect replacement for Victor Osimhen, who’s Napoli-bound in a big-money transfer.
Why Lille Turned to Morelos After David Rejection
The Ligue 1 outfit had initially targeted Canadian sensation Jonathan David, but saw their £23m bid rejected by Belgian side Gent earlier this month. This forced Lille’s sporting director Luis Campos to shift focus to Morelos, whose physicality and proven goal-scoring record make him an attractive alternative.
Since his £1m move from HJK Helsinki in 2017, Morelos has:
- Scored 44 goals in 91 Scottish Premiership appearances
- Developed into one of Europe’s most physical strikers
- Drawn comparisons to former Celtic star Moussa Dembélé
Rangers’ Valuation and Gerrard’s Dilemma
Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson previously valued Morelos at “at least £19.7m” – matching Dembélé’s transfer fee to Lyon. However, his recent dip in form and disciplinary issues might affect the final negotiation price.
Steven Gerrard faces a challenging situation:
- Needs to reinforce his attacking options
- Must balance squad quality with financial realities
- Faces pressure to challenge Celtic’s dominance
Tactical Analysis: Morelos’ Fit in Lille’s System
Football analyst Mark Thompson from Baji Sports Network explains: “Morelos‘ aggressive playing style suits Lille’s counter-attacking approach. His ability to hold up play and bring wingers into action makes him ideal for Christophe Galtier’s 4-4-2 system.”
Key strengths Lille will benefit from:
- Physical presence in the box
- Clinical finishing with both feet
- Experience in European competitions
Rangers’ Rebuilding Plans
With Morelos potentially departing, Gerrard has been vocal about his transfer needs:
“We haven’t got enough options in the number nine area. We’re actively looking to strengthen, but we must be patient for the right long-term solution, not just a short-term fix.”
Recent Rangers signings:
- Jermain Defoe (permanent deal)
- Ianis Hagi (loan made permanent)
- Calvin Bassey, Jon McLaughlin, Leon Balogun
Morelos’ Recent Form Concerns
The Colombian’s 2019-20 season ended worryingly:
- No goals or assists in final 9 league games
- Disciplinary issues including late return from Colombia
- Dropped for crucial Scottish Cup match vs Hearts
His pre-season form hasn’t eased concerns, going scoreless in four consecutive friendlies, including against Coventry City.
Scottish Premiership Implications
With the new season starting August 1, this transfer could significantly impact the title race:
- Rangers vs Aberdeen (August 1) – potential Morelos farewell
- Celtic begin title defense against Hamilton (August 2)
- Baji will provide exclusive coverage of all key matches
Conclusion: A Transfer That Could Reshape Two Clubs
As Lille and Rangers negotiate the final fee, this potential move represents a crossroads for both clubs. Morelos could flourish in France’s more technical league, while Rangers must wisely reinvest any transfer windfall to mount a serious title challenge.
Stay tuned to Baji for breaking updates on this developing story and expert analysis of all major football transfers. Share your thoughts below – is Morelos ready for Ligue 1? Who should Rangers target as his replacement?
