Manchester City and Newcastle United are reportedly set to miss out on Alex Lowry, who is destined to pen a new deal with Rangers.
According to a report from Football Insider, Rangers have made a huge stride in their quest to keep hold of Alex Lowry this summer. The teenage youth prospect has become one of the most in-demand young players in Scotland, with a host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Newcastle United, keen on bringing him to the south of the border.
However, it appears Lowry has accepted Rangers’ contract extension offer of around £5,000 per week. It could serve as a major blow to both Newcastle and Manchester City in their pursuit of the 18-year-old, whose agent had even met NUFC’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson earlier in the month.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Lowry has already made a solid impression in the Scottish youth competitions and even in the UEFA Youth League. The Rangers prodigy has raised many eyebrows with his dynamism and the ability to create chances in the final third.
In light of his impressive performances, the 18-year-old was handed his professional debut with Rangers earlier in the season. One can expect the Gers to offer him a promotion to the senior side, as he looks to compete with the likes of Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi next season.
The player certainly appears to favour a prolonged stay at Ibrox than joining a Premier League side like Manchester City. The English champions have produced a host of talented youth players in recent years including Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. But very few of them have actually managed to make an impact in the star-studded Manchester City first-team.
Newcastle United, meanwhile, are in a much better position to offer more frequent game-time to an inexperienced prodigy like Alex Lowry. Eddie Howe himself has an excellent reputation for nurturing young players.
But in a Newcastle project that is likely to revolve around flashy signings and proven players, it might be difficult for Lowry to make an immediate impact. Remaining at Rangers, therefore, could prove to be the right option.
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At the age of just 18, the Scottish wonderkid requires a bit more experience before he can make the jump to the Premier League. Giovanni van Bronckhorst, to that end, could be the ideal manager to guide him into becoming a more accomplished player as he looks to make his professional breakthrough next season. Manchester City and Newcastle now need to set sights on alternatives.