Gers happy to exploit transfer loophole
MARK WARBURTON says Rangers will continue to exploit the cross-border loophole which allows them to pick up young stars such as Jordan Rossiter and Joe Dodoo.
The Light Blues landed England U19 midfielder Rossiter from Liverpool for just £250,000 training compensation and are set to sign Leicester City striker Dodoo for the same fee.
Even cheaper were Accrington Stanley’s highly-rated duo of Matt Crooks and Josh Windass, who only cost the club £120,000.
Because, as Warburton acknowledges, it would be a very different price tag had an English club tried to complete their transfer.
“They are terrified of tribunals because you never know what will come out of it.
“Once a decision is made at a tribunal you have to stick to it.
“With talented young players the fee could be anything.
“For us, it is more defined – we know exactly what a player will cost if he comes up here.
“It is a loophole and it helps us with targets, just as it has Celtic with their recruitment of Moussa Dembele. It is the same process.
“Could we afford to buy certain players without it? No, we could not.
“I understand no club wants to lose their best young players. But English clubs are aware of the situation, it’s a FIFA directive.
“All clubs like us are doing is following the protocol. It is important that we use every possible advantage.
“There were some comments made regarding Matt Crooks and Josh Windass. All we did was adhere to UEFA guidelines.
“We still have to attract the players and work to create the right environment. So it’s far from easy.
“The secret is finding the balance and knowing when to move. You can offer players a contract too early.
“They might never get better than they are that day – that is the risk. Some players, though, get better and soar to the highest level.”
In the case of Rossiter, the latter outcome looks more likely with the teenager starring for the England U19s in the week in the 2-1 defeat of the Netherlands which earned them a World Cup place.
“Jordan had a very good game and will be better for playing at the U19 Euros,” said Warburton.
“I was delighted with what I saw as he always looked to get on the ball.
“Hopefully he can carry that on in the tournament.
“He will come back to us in a good state of fitness and should fit in seamlessly.”