Report: Daniel Candeias Likely Moving to Turkey

After being left out of Steven Gerrard’s side for the opening round of Europa League Qualifiers, Daniel Candeias could be on his way out from Ibrox.

It has been reported, and recently confirmed by Steven Gerrard, that Portuguese winger Daniel Candeias could be on his way out of the door at Ibrox and headed to Turkey to Genclerbirligi. Candeias was left out of the team for the first round of Europa League Qualifiers against St Joseph’s FC but did score a pair of goals in a friendly against Marseille.

Although Gerrard and the club have made it clear that they would like to have Candeias around for the coming season as they look to win their first Scottish Championship since the horror,  however, it’s been reported that Candeias wants guaranteed field-time that Rangers can’t promise.

Steven Gerrard has made several moves to bolster the team on the wings and they still hope to get Liverpool winger Ryan Kent back on loan for a second season at Ibrox, which would leave Candeias in a very tough competition for regular playing time.

Candeias’ desire for ensured playing time and therefore a move, comes as a disappointment, but an understandable one. The Portugal international is now 31 and likely figures to only have a few seasons of high-level play left in the tank, as such it is understandable that he doesn’t want to spend the twilight of his career riding on the bench.

It does still come as a disappointment. Candeias has been a fan-favorite and it would be fun to see one of the few players remaining on the roster from before Gerrard arrived to see what we hope is an excellent season now. That said, Candeias gave a pair of excellent seasons and if Rangers can sell him on for a decent price, Transfermartk estimates his worth to be 900,000 pounds, which seems generous but anything close to that would be a nice fetch. Given the effective play he has given, Rangers should respect his request and let him go on and we wish him the best in the future.

Despite not making the team for the first round of Europa League qualifiers, Candeias had an impressive outing in the friendly against Marseille where he scored a pair of goals.