Rangers have struggled to move players on this summer with Philippe Clement looking to make room for new additions.
Other than a lot of speculation and Robby McCrorie joining Kilmarnock, there has been very little to report about in terms of players leaving Ibrox.
There has been another exit, however, it is one that won’t impact the first team wage budget or allow the manager to bring a new face into his squad.
Johnly Yfeko exit a sign of things to come for Rangers
Johnly Yfeko has been announced as heading to Exeter City on loan with an option to buy deal that is an encouraging sign of the direction Rangers want their recruitment to head in.
Philippe Clement gave the young defender his debut at Ibrox against Morton earlier this year but it looks like his future lies elsewhere.
Speaking when Yfeko extended his contract, the Gers boss was keen to see him flourish:
“We are delighted that Johnly has extended his contract at Rangers.
“It is recognition of his development since joining the club, and his recent experience with the first-team is testament to his hard work, focus and dedication.
“It’s a long road ahead, with different obstacles and challenges that he needs to overcome, but we are really excited by his potential and look forward to his continuous growth both on and off the pitch.”
Every little helps for Auchenhowie graduates
In the past, Rangers have been bad for letting youth players leave at the end of their contracts without a fee if a decision has been made about their ability to make the first team.
With Yfeko, it looks like a genuine attempt to make a change for the better.
Rangers have signed Clinton Nsiala, a left-footed centre-half and have also seen Robbie Fraser impress and sign a new deal after making his senior debut.
Rather than waiting and leaving him in the B team, a move has been found for Yfeko that could see Rangers make some money out of him.
Not every player who progresses through the academy will be a Nathan Patterson.
More players will get released than make the grade but the key is making money out of those who don’t stay.
It is easier said than done though.
Deals such as this one for Yfeko add up, two or three of them every summer pay for the compensation fee of someone like Connor Barron or cover the transfer of Jefte.
Every little helps.
As with Lewis Mayo last summer, Rangers have to insert things like buy back clauses or first refusal options too, just in case.
