10 goals and Premier League promotion: Rangers must be kicking themselves over Callum Paterson
Daily Record
Tuesday 15th May 2018
Last summer Hearts lost one of their star players, as right-back Callum Paterson ran down the final year of his contract at Tynecastle. The Scottish talent signed a three-year deal at Championship side Cardiff City, costing the Welsh club a compensation fee of around £400,000 – according to the Daily Record.
But Cardiff were not the only team chasing the player. Rangers were also said to be very keen on luring the versatile defender to Ibrox. The Record reported that he had been on the Glasgow club’s radar for some time as they looked to improve their options and bring in the best Scottish talent they could.
But Rangers, ultimately, failed to bring him in. Paterson decided it was time to play outside of Scottish football and ensured a move to Cardiff happened instead.
Rangers fans now know that they have thoroughly missed out.
Since heading to Cardiff the 23-year-old has been in fine form for The Bluebirds. He has been converted into a central midfielder under the guidance of Neil Warnock and has proven to be a revelation in the role.
Paterson thrived this season, ending up as Cardiff’s top-scorer in the Championship with 10 goals. It was a successful campaign for him personally, but also the team. Cardiff ended the season second in the Championship, earning promotion to the Premier League as a consequence.
Rangers, meanwhile, have had a difficult campaign. The Glasgow club ended up finishing third and going through three managers in a single campaign. Having a player of Patterson’s quality in the heart of the midfield would have undoubtedly been a big boost for the Ibrox club this season.
However, Patterson will no doubt be pleased with his decision. He is now safe in the knowledge he made the right decision in the summer and when he kicks off a Premier League campaign in August he will be acutely aware.
Rangers, on the other hand, must ensure they get their targets this summer, to minimise the risk of a similar situation this time next year.
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