The latest transfer news surrounding Sunderland has seen them linked with signing Rangers youngster Charlie Lindsay.
Sunderland’s renewed focus on signing young talent to develop at the club has proved to be a successful policy this season. Could Rangers youngster Charlie Lindsay be someone that the Black Cats can help develop next season?
Here, we take a look at the recent speculation regarding his future, the competition Sunderland may face for his signature, and what type of player the Black Cats would be signing if a move is completed when the summer transfer window opens.
Lindsay is a 19-year-old attacking midfielder that is currently contracted to Rangers. Although he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Gers, Lindsay has been a regular for their B-Team, playing senior football in the Lowland League on a regular basis and has also featured in the UEFA Youth League against Napoli, Liverpool, and Ajax.
In 40 appearances for Rangers B this season, Lindsay scored 14 goals and registered a further 7 assists. Lindsay has also represented Northern Ireland at Under-19 level and made his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Denmark in October 2021.
Sunderland has been linked with signing Lindsay on a free transfer this summer. Lindsay is set to leave Rangers as a free agent when his current contract expires at the end of the season and Wearside has emerged as a potential destination for the teenager.
The Daily Record report that Lindsay is ‘keen’ to move away from Rangers in a bid to experience regular first-team football. Derby County, who will spend a second season in third-tier after missing out on the play-offs on the final day of the League One campaign, have also been credited with an interest in Lindsay.
Whilst it now appears that he sees a move away from Ibrox as the best way to get regular first-team football, Lindsay had previously hoped his break could come at the Scottish side. Speaking during pre-season ahead of a game against his former club Glentoran, Lindsay revealed his desire to develop his skills at Rangers but stressed the importance of remaining patient.
Lindsay said: “I want to keep playing as much as I can in the B team and if I get a chance, try and push forward, get towards the first team and if I get a chance to train, impress the manager.
“But obviously that all takes time and I don’t want to be too forceful with it all. I just want to come in every day and learn and keep getting better as a player. I feel I’m really maturing as a footballer and as a person and that’s what I wanted.”
After joining Rangers in 2020, Lindsay spoke about his dreams of learning from and eventually impressing Steven Gerrard. Lindsay revealed that Gerrard was his hero growing up and someone he hoped to develop his game alongside. “What a player he was,” Lindsay said.
“He is an absolute legend, but you wouldn’t think that when you meet him. I had a really good chat with him and really enjoyed it.
“I heard him say in an interview once that you have to be obsessed to be a footballer and that is how I try to live my life.”
