'He's outstanding': Team-mate admits he'd be 'delighted' if Rangers signed £1m star

07/02/2024 07:00 AM

It’s never usually a good sign when a player’s team-mates are saying publicly that they would be pretty happy to see him sold.

But, in the case of the reported Rangers target, context matters.

News of the Ibrox-linked attacker’s departure during the summer transfer window would certainly be well received amongst those he currently shares the dressing room with. But not because Motherwell want Theo Bair gone.

But because, having made plenty of friends and influenced even more at Fir Park, there is an acceptance in the Well dressing room that a player of Bair’s talent and hunger deserves the chance to move up the footballing ladder.

As Motherwell defender Stephen O’Donnell explains, there would be ‘no bitterness’ towards Bair if he was to leave for Ibrox, Celtic, Sunderland, St Pauli or any of his other potential destinations.

Rangers like Motherwell striker Theo Bair

“He's a great boy, which is probably the most important thing,” the 32-year-old Scotland international tells The Herald. "He's been outstanding. We're all delighted for him, and hopefully he keeps it going.

"I actually wouldn't be disappointed if he left, because it's great that he has done well. The club have maybe found a rough diamond and polished it up, and that has got to be the market that we want to shop in.

"We have to bring younger players in, show them that we can be a great platform, and the manager has done a great job with that.

"When you get to be a big influence on somebody and then earn the club some money, that just underlines who we are and what we can provide.”

Bair, who is currently on Canada duty at the Copa America, was a rather surprising signing during the summer of 2023. The powerhouse striker had scored only one league goal in 34 games at St Johnstone, after all.

Motherwell obviously saw something special in the youngster, however, and that faith has been rewarded with 15 Premiership strikes. Stuart Kettlewell’s side now look destined to make a handsome profit.

Celtic also in race as Gers near Hamza Igamane deal

The Daily Mail reports that Bair is valued at around £1 million, with Rangers and Old Firm rivals Celtic among his many admirers (The Athletic). There is, HITC understands, interest from England’s second tier and Germany’s top flight too.

"The manager works hard with every player, especially the younger ones. If they are hungry and they want to learn, they definitely will learn,” O’Donnell adds.

"If (Bair) goes, I'll be delighted for him. And it will mean there will be a good few quid for Motherwell too.

“So that's the real end product that you want."

Rangers are considering a number of strikers at a time when Cyriel Dessers’ future looks uncertain.

There is interest in Rapid Bucharest frontman Albion Rrahmani too. At around £5 million, however, Rrahmani would cost considerably more than Bair.

Rangers are also closing in on a deal that will see Hamza Igamane arrive from RAF Rabat for just £1.7 million, via Foot Mercato.

Kettlewell, meanwhile, confirmed late last week that there have been no offers coming to Motherwell as of yet from either Rangers or Celtic.