On May 8th the Daily Mail reported that Rangers were interested in Arsenal’s Auston Trusty. The American centre back spent the season on loan at Birmingham, where he won the clubs player of the year award. The reported fee was around £2m which would be a bargain for the 24-year-old.
Yesterday Football London wrote that Arsenal will allow him to leave on a permanent basis. This turn of events should have Rangers on high alert as he would be a quality option at an incredibly affordable price.
What Next For Auston Trusty?
Birmingham manager John Eustace would love to bring Trusty back to the West Midlands. The player himself also seemed to really enjoy his time there, he had this to say in May;
It couldn’t have gone better. Obviously if we had done better in the table and better in the season, that would have put the icing on the cake, but to have this year with Birmingham City, with the team, with the fans and the whole organisation.
It’s my first year over here in Europe and first time on loan, but I didn’t come here thinking this is just for a season, I came here thinking I want to make my mark on an organisation. I came here and I’m thankful that I have been perceived this way by the fans. It’s been really, really awesome.
Auston Trusty
Those are very strong words and he seems to have a real affinity with the club and fans. Rangers do have an upper hand, however, with the small matter of being able to offer European football. It also shouldn’t be understated how much it means to players being able to play in front of fifty thousand fans.
In terms of wages it’s probably a pretty level playing field. There is a lot of money in the English Championship and the potential to get to the EPL. However, as previously mentioned, Rangers can offer European football and sell out home crowds every other week.
In all honesty, I would be very surprised if only Rangers and Birmingham were interested. Looking back at his season, he was terrific playing both centre back and left back.
At only twenty-four-years-old he has plenty of room to develop but he is a physical beast already.
Where Would he Fit at Rangers?
The previously mentioned Football London article discusses the departure of Ben Davies. Recently I also covered this topic and that could be key in the clubs pursuit of Trusty. That being said, the quoted £2m transfer fee isn’t exactly breaking the bank and shouldn’t demand a player sale to be followed through.
The reality is that he would add some versatility to the back line. The recent signing of Dujon Sterling also added this and Trusty would be another hybrid player added to the team. Michael Beale has regularly spoken of ‘hybrid players’ and their importance within a squad. Having Sterling, who can play all across the back line, and Trusty, who can play centre back and left back, would really help with the squad depth that was lacking last season.
To get a better picture of the player, here are his numbers at Birmingham;
- 44 Appearances
- 4G/2A
- 13 Clean Sheets
- 1.5 Interceptions Per Game
- 2.3 Tackles Per Game
- 4 Clearances Per Game
- 59% Ground Duels Won
- 56% Aerial Duels Won
Considering that Birmingham struggled this season, he was incredible defensively. This form has led to him being called up to the USMNT, however, he only has one cap so far. That seems set to change though and a move to a huge club like Rangers would only help his international career.
My Opinion
I genuinely think, for £2m, this would be an incredible deal for Rangers. Although transfermarkt.co.uk shouldn’t be used as gospel for player values, they’re not normally far off. At this current moment, they have his value set at €10m. This really shouldn’t be surprising considering his numbers last season, his age and the fact he is now an international for the USMNT.
For further analysis read my previous article on him here.
If all the reports are true regarding his future and transfer fee, Rangers should be jumping on this deal as soon as possible. What do you think of this one? Would you be keen to see Auston Trusty at Rangers?