Rangers are in a better position that they have been in for some time under the guidance of Philippe Clement but there will still need to be a min-overhaul in the summer.
Six players are out of contract in the squad, all of which have been key for the club at some point in the past and it looks as though a decision has been made on most of them.
In January, Rangers seemed to head in a new direction with the additions that were made and it looks as if Philippe Clement is clearing the decks at Ibrox.
Rangers contract decisions made by Philippe Clement?
Fabio Silva, Mohamed Diomande and Oscar Cortes all provided an immediate upgrade in terms of technical ability.
They are athletic, mobile and have the potential to improve as players too.
In contrast, the players who are out of contract are at the opposite end of their careers and have question marks above their heads.
Speaking on Heart and Hand’s Daily Update for Tuesday 2nd of April, David Edgar suggested that only one of the six players whose contracts are expiring will be renewed.
Running through the names of Borna Barisic, Leon Balogun, Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Jon McLaughlin and John Lundstram, there is an obvious profile shared by them.
Barisic is said to be on his way to Turkey, Balogun will be 36 when next season kicks off, Jack and Roofe can’t stay fit and McLaughlin isn’t even making the bench any more despite his previous status as number one.
Out of the six, it is Lundstram who Edgar claims is the most likely to stay and actively involved in negotiations over a new deal.
Rangers heading in new direction under Clement
Shortly after arriving at the club, Philippe Clement expressed his surprise at the situation Rangers have found themselves in:
“You want to get transfer in, that can make an impact now but also have an impact for the next couple of years on the field and selling them for bigger amounts.
“If you look back over the last couple of years that is something the club have missed. You want to have young prospects you can develop and can go to a higher level than Glasgow Rangers.
“It’s a balance. You need to have players that are in contract. Like this season, to have five players out of contract is a crazy situation because you throw away money.
“They are of no value any more if the contract is ended.”
The January window seems to suggest that a new direction is being taken.
Yes, technically, Cortes and Diomande are both on loan but it would be a surprise if their respective option to buy clauses aren’t taken up.
The manager is right too, we need a younger, more dynamic squad and need to stop holding onto players for too long.
Especially ones who can’t stay fit or who are on big wages and not contributing.
