Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos may not have decided on a contract just yet, but Michael Beale gave a huge hint over the weekend that his future likely lies away from Ibrox.
There has been no player more revered in the ranks of Rangers over the last decade than the Colombian and if El Bufalo does vamos then it will be the end of an era at Ibrox.
The 27-year-old striker has endured plenty of ups and downs over the last six years and now the sounds coming out of Ibrox are ominous that the next few months will be Morelos’ final in a Rangers jersey.
The sentiment has been wrong in the past – see Connor Goldson last season – but there was a sense of frustration surrounding the comments of Michael Beale when it came to a potential Alfredo Morelos contract.
Alfredo Morelos Rangers contract comments ominous
Speaking after the 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers at the weekend, during which Morelos came off the bench, the Rangers manager was being asked about those links to Sevilla.
Whilst the Ibrox boss was clear that he hadn’t heard this was the case, with the latest reports claiming Alfredo Morelos hasn’t agreed a contract in Spain, perhaps the more interesting comments surrounded the player’s performances.
Beale was clear that he wants the club to tie down Ryan Kent and Ryan Jack, but the comments about Alfredo Morelos hint that there is still plenty of work to do to convince the club to fork out to resign him.
“He’s free to go and speak to other people,” Beale told Viaplay post-match.
“In terms of the reports from outside, I’ve not spoken to him about it. Alfredo’s situation is slightly different. He’s been at the club a long time. We’ve not offered him anything.
“When [Morelos] has needed to play he’s been fine – but I want a bit more energy in the final third.
“Can he provide that? If he can then he’s a better option than what he has been the last few months. Everything I’m saying here has been said to him as well.
“[Jack] is in a place where I’ve said publicly I’d like him to stay, and the same with [Kent]. That’s above me. It’s a summer we’ll make big decisions in, but the right ones without being reckless.”
Given Alfredo Morelos’ current contract is reportedly £33k per week, or around £1.7m per year, the player’s current form suggests Rangers might be better spending that elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Kai Kennedy has booked a date at Hampden.