Leading Scottish football journalist Chris Jack believes that it is “inevitable” that Rangers will have to sell players after the club exited the Champions League.
The Herald and Times writer was speaking in his latest column after the Ibrox side crashed out of Europe’s elite competition 4-2 at the hands of Swedish champions Malmo.
There has been much said before and after the game regarding the financial status of Rangers who the Athletic reported this week are forecasting a £14.4m loss this year.
The hierarchy of the Ibrox club themselves have also repeatedly talked up the player trading model which must form part of the foundation of the club’s self-sustainability.
For Jack, this summer could be the campaign which this model kicks into action as he lamented the “inevitable” financial implications of Rangers crashing out of the Champions League.
“Quite simply, it is not sustainable to run a model that relies on European income and then fail to deliver when it matters most,” writes Jack [Glasgow Times].
“If the Champions League money doesn’t land, then a key man must be sold to make up the financial shortfall.
“Had Rangers been able to progress to the group stages this term, they would have had a stronger hand to play in fending off interest in Gerrard’s most valuable assets, and perhaps a trump card up their sleeve in terms of convincing certain players to extend their stay for another season.
“Both situations are now outwith Rangers’ control. It is surely inevitable that a key player, or perhaps more than one, will be sold off as a result of their failure on Tuesday night.”
The news come amid much transfer talk regarding Ibrox trio Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Glen Kamara.
Kent has been the subject of transfer interest from Leeds United in the past, Alfredo Morelos has been linked to FC Porto all summer whilst Glen Kamara is reportedly a target of numerous Premier League sides.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard claims that he’s not “naïve” when it comes to his players’ futures, but he insists that no matter the circumstances, the club will always sell at the right price.
“I’m well aware of how this club works and how it runs,” said Gerrard [Rangers].
“We are a club that if the right numbers land for our players we have to recycle. But nothing has been said to me since the game in terms of being in a rush or a hurry to do that.
“Nothing has changed in terms of me wanting to keep to keep our best players here to give us the best chance of being successful moving forward.
“I’m not naive enough to think the last couple of results won’t have an impact somewhere down the line.
“Even if we were successful against Malmo, if the right number lands for a player here then the board are going to listen and consider it.
“That’s the way it is, that’s the way the club works.
“We haven’t had a realistic bid in black and white for any of our players. We haven’t had a serious phone call for any of our players.
“That’s the reality and that’s where it is at the moment.”
Despite the suggestion the Gers might have to sell, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed that this is “not essential”.
