The extended Rangers first team squad have reported back to the Hummel Training Centre this week for the beginning of pre-season.
The club has followed the opening days of training and published several photo galleries as well as a training video.
From this content, we’ve seen two new arrivals in Rangers blue for the first time and six players making their returns following loan stints.
However, it appears that a Ger who was on loan in League One last season is yet to return.
That’s Joe Dodoo.
The 23-year-old forward has long since been frozen out of the first-team plans at Ibrox, last turning out against Falkirk in March 2018 as a substitute.
Yet, he’s still very much on the books at Ibrox and contracted until 2020 [Transfermarkt].
Dodoo didn’t do enough on loan at Blackpool last season to suggest he will get another chance at Ibrox. Apart from a purple patch in November when he netted four in four games, his stint was marred by niggling injuries and a lack of momentum.
Having said that, judging by the response to his farewell post, he did endear himself to some of the Blackpool faithful.
Overall, he managed six goals in 25 appearances for the Tangerines [Soccerway]. It isn’t a shocking return, but he’s hardly banging on Gerrard’s door either.
Permanent Ibrox exit on the cards?
With the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Jermain Defoe, and Zak Rudden all at the club, his chances look slim.
However, players like Jason Holt and Jak Alnwick both reported for pre-season despite having similarly weak chances of featuring again for the first team.
Perhaps, then, Dodoo’s absence indicates he already has an escape plan in the pipeline.
There are no reports yet in terms of potential destinations, but it would likely be the best result for all parties if Dodoo were to move on.
Considering he still has a year left on his deal, there’s a chance Rangers could receive some sort of fee, too.
He’s currently valued at £225k by Transfermarkt. However, the Gers need to streamline their squad ahead of next season and so would surely consider any bids for the former Leicester City man.
