It looks as if Steven Gerrard has already given up on Rangers summer loan signing, Lassana Coulibaly.
The manager is taking quite the opposite approach with the £1.13m-rated star [Transfermarkt], as he is with Ryan Kent. Both players’ loan deals are set to expire shortly. However, while the former is frozen out, the latter is playing every minute possible.
Coulibaly’s last action came against Kilmarnock at Ibrox on 19 March. Thereafter, he was included on the bench against Celtic and Hearts. Perhaps, at that stage, Gerrard was still considering trying to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.
Yet, recent developments seem to suggest that won’t be happening.
The 23-year-old hasn’t been included in a matchday squad for over a month. Furthermore, time is running out for those who might want to see him in a Rangers strip one last time.
It’s highly unlikely that Gerrard will suddenly include him in the squad for Sunday’s Old Firm. Then, with second place sewn up, the final game of the season might be used as an opportunity to try out some young prospects.
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The likes of Dapo Mebude and Josh McPake surely have a better chance of turning out against Killie than a loanee the manager has no intention of keeping.
Coulibaly showed flashes of real potential early in the season. However, inconsistency characterised his displays in the build-up to Christmas. Ever since, opportunities have been limited.
With so many options for Gerrard to choose from, the Mali international could be the first of several midfielders to head out of the Ibrox when the window opens.
