With the news that Fashion Sakala will be joining Rangers on a free transfer in the summer, questions have been raised about the future of Jermain Defoe.
The 38-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this month, and many believe he won’t be handed an extension. However, when asked whether he merits a new deal on Twitter, supporters were very much split down the middle:
Get him signed up for 56
— fra (@FraRangers9) May 4, 2021
I’d love to keep him but his wages are sky high
— Lindsay Skea (@LindsaySkea) May 4, 2021
Would love to see him stay especially as a player/coach but would need to take a wage cut for it to feesable
— georgekilday (@georgekilday1) May 4, 2021
At his current wages no
— scott brown (@scottbroen55) May 4, 2021
Yes, yes for his experience alone and he wants to hear us sing his name again.????
— NO10IAR (@Alyt55) May 4, 2021
If he was to stay, he would have to take a massive pay cut
— ΉΣΣDΣЯ-1872 ⚽️ (@BOUNCYB0UNCY) May 4, 2021
All day long IMHO
— Eddie T (@EddieTaylor70) May 4, 2021
If he would agree to a massive pay cut then yes. Far too expensive at the moment to not be playing most weeks, especially with Itten there.
— ʟᴏʏᴀʟ ᴡɪʟʟɪᴀᴍ ????????? (@LoyalWilliam91) May 4, 2021
If he’s keen to do badges etc move him to player coach role, his influence in the dressing room seems massive and he can still readily do a job on the park. I would definitely try and keep him around
— QU55NS 11 (@_RFC1872_) May 4, 2021
No. We need to strengthen & he is one whose wage could be better spent. Thank you for all you have done, will always be well received at The Brox. No room for sentimentality.
— The Marble Staircase (@staircase_the) May 4, 2021
If he drops from 30k to 5k a week then absolutely
— EvanAlmighty95 (@EvanAlex95) May 4, 2021
It probably goes without saying that Defoe would need to agree to a reduced salary were he to stay at Ibrox, but the experience he could offer to younger players makes him an invaluable asset.
A pay-as-you-play deal or a player/coach role would probably be the best way to approach contract talks with the striker, but it remains to be seen whether the former England international would be open to that kind of offer.
This season, Defoe has scored six goals in 18 appearances and the veteran may feel he still has a lot to offer as a player.
