The exit of Steven Gerrard to Aston Villa will have a major knock-on effect for Rangers but none more so could that be felt than with Connor Goldson who is yet to sign a new deal.
Ibrox vice-captain Connor, 28, is in the midst of a contract dilemma at Rangers and within the next two months will be free to negotiate terms elsewhere.
A key Steven Gerrard signing, Goldson is a major part of how the Rangers side play but given the man who brought him into Ibrox is set to vacate the club, perhaps Connor is more likely to follow suit than put pen to paper.
The player’s contract situation has been the subject of much debate at Ibrox and Goldson himself has routinely been forced to answer questions on the subject.
But to date there has been little movement with Rangers fans everywhere convinced that the defender is keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of potential offers in January.
Connor Goldson contract situation complicated by Steven Gerrard Rangers exit
Amongst the highest earners at the club, perhaps Goldson’s time in Glasgow will come to a natural end in the shadow of Gerrard’s exit.
However, this entire side was built by the ex-Ibrox manager and his backroom staff so what is true of Connor could be said of the entire squad.
The players’ loyalty to Rangers – beyond just Steven Gerrard – is set to be tested in the coming windows with all but three senior players signed by Stevie G.
Ryan Kent, Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara are amongst other Ibrox assets who have a close relationship with the manager and who may well be considering their futures beyond January.
But it’s Goldson’s contract situation which is the most imminent with Gerrard’s exit from Ibrox surely yet another obstacle to getting the centre-back to commit to Rangers.
If the Premier League is enough to lure the club’s manager away, how can we hold this against his players?
Perhaps Steven Gerrard might even consider a move for Connor as part of his Villa rebuild with the defender such an essential part of his squad at Rangers.
Another player who Gerrard might consider taking from Rangers could also fill a substantial £100m void at Villa Park which remains from the summer.
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