The 36-year-old has scored over 150 goals in the Premier League and arrives in Glasgow looking to fire the Gers to their first Scottish Premiership title in eight years.
Babb reckons Defoe will score plenty of goals but has to be prepared for a different style of football north of the border.
It worries me that he might get lumps kicked out of him
Phil Babb on Jermain Defoe
“He’s a quality striker isn’t he,” he said on Sky Sports.
“What is he, ranked seventh in the Premier League all-time goalscorers? He knows Steven [Gerrard] very well.
“Obviously the game is not as cultured up there and I mean that with the greatest respect.
“It worries me that he might get lumps kicked out of him.
Rangers transfer news: Jermain Defoe is set to join on an 18-month loan (Image: GETTY)
Rangers transfer news: Jermain Defoe has been starved of action at Bournemouth this season (Image: GETTY)
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Rangers transfer news: Jermain Defoe has not started a Premier League game this season (Image: GETTY)
“But he’s a great character and he will be a great asset for Rangers because he will score goals up there.”
However, Defoe’s former England team-mate Darius Vassell reckons the experienced striker has got what it takes to adapt to Scottish football.
“Similar to what Phil said, it’s going to be a difficult proposition for Jermain,” Vassell said on Sky Sports News.
“But I think he has had that problem all through his career anyway.