Six Rangers players may require extensions to their current deals should the Premiership season run until the end of June.
The possibility of that scenario emerged this afternoon following a UEFA videoconference involving all 55 member nations.
European football’s governing body announced the postponement of Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021, freeing up additional space within which domestic leagues could be completed.
UEFA later released a joint resolution, which stressed a ‘commitment’ to completing all domestic and European club competitions by 30th June 2020 [UEFA.com].
That poses no issue for the majority of the Rangers squad, who are on long-term contracts. Yet, should the season run until that point, six players’ current deals are likely to have already expired.
Player contracts typically expire sometime between the end of the final month of the season (31st May) and the opening day of the transfer window (9th June).
Therefore, it seems likely that those in that position will need to agree extensions if they are to represent the club up until the season’s deadline.
The six players who may be affected are:
Wes Foderingham
The 29-year-old stopper is one of the club’s longest-serving players having joined from Swindon Town in 2015. Since the return of Allan McGregor, though, he’s become the second choice keeper and is set to become a free agent in the summer.
Jon Flanagan
Former Liverpool defender Flanagan has fallen down the pecking order drastically since the start of the season and his two-year deal is up in a few months.
Andy Halliday
Halliday is a born and bred bluenose and has made over 100 league appearances since joining the club in 2015. However, he’s likely to be playing elsewhere next season with his current deal coming to an end.
Sheyi Ojo
22-year-old Ojo is on a season-long loan from Liverpool and has fallen away after a bright start. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Liverpool Echo reports the winger isn’t going to be offered a permanent deal and therefore any extension will likely only be short-term.
Ianis Hagi
Hagi has impressed in European competition since his arrival in January, but although the Gers have an option to buy, the Romanian international is only on loan from Genk at this stage. Before weighing up the pros and cons of a permanent deal, the club may have to extend his temporary one.
Florian Kamberi
Similarly, Kamberi is on loan from Hibernian on a deal that likely only runs until the end of May. If Steven Gerrard wants to retain the 6ft 4″ attacker’s services until late June, some renegotiating may be required.
