Rangers have six players out of contract in 2024. And throughout the January transfer window, they were free to discuss terms with other clubs.
Rangers have been excellent since the arrival of Philippe Clement in October. The Belgian boss has now gained the trust of the Ibrox support and the future looks bright under his reign – a stark contrast to the start of the season under Michael Beale.
However, there are a few squad issues needing ironed out across the rest of the 2023/24 season. Clement and newly-appointed director of football Nils Koppen now must work together and decide who out of the Rangers players whose contracts expire at the end of the campaign deserve extended stays.
Six current first-team stars fall under that category. So here, we have a look at those Rangers players out of contract in 2024 and give our verdicts on how likely they are to stay in Govan.
John Lundstram
Rangers announced the signing of John Lundstram on a three-year deal after his contract expired at Sheffield United in 2021. The midfielder became Steven Gerrard‘s third signing of that summer window and has been a key figure for Rangers ever since.
Lundstram brings experience and a composure to the middle of the park, qualities that have shone through under stewardship of Philippe Clement. Rangers legend Barry Ferguson describes him as the “real driving force” under the Belgian and it would be a surprise to see ‘the best on Earth’ leave for nothing.
Thankfully, Clement confirmed in December that initial discussions have been held with Lundstram regarding a contract extension so we’d expect this one to be wrapped up.
Borna Barisic
As it stands, Borna Barisic will be leaving the club at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
There is no doubt that Barisic divides opinion amongst the Rangers support and at 31, many wouldn’t be against letting him depart Ibrox on a free.
Moreover, Ridvan Yilmaz seems to be more fancied by Clement in the squad so while Barisic has been a terrific servant for Rangers since joining in 2018, the summer may be the time for him to leave.
Ryan Jack
Ryan Jack is another potential candidate who could leave Ibrox in the summer. The Scotland midfielder’s time at Rangers has been plagued by injuries and that hasn’t changed this season.
Central midfielder Jack – who signed from Aberdeen in 2017 – is very good option for Clement to call upon but he isn’t much use when injured and Gers may be tempted to let his contract run down as a result.
Let’s get this straight, it wouldn’t come as a shock to see Jack being freed.
Kemar Roofe
Kemar Roofe is in a similar situation to Ryan Jack in that the striker is out of contract in 2024 and just cannot stay fit.
The luckless Englishman signed from Anderlecht in 2020 has clocked up a full 90 minutes in just one Scottish Premiership game so far this season and was ruled out for months after pulling up in a win against St Johnstone in December.
Roofe is certainly one of the best finishers at the club with 38 goals in 93 games overall, but may be let go in the summer due to his perennial injury issues.
Jon McLaughlin
Jon McLaughlin is almost a certainty to leave Rangers in 2024 following the end of his Govan deal.
The 36-year-old goalkeeper hasn’t kicked a single ball yet under Michael Beale or Philippe Clement this season and that says it all about his future at Rangers.
Jack Butland is the undisputed No1 at the club and McLaughlin has little to zero chance of getting any minutes unless the former Manchester United stopper picks up an injury. We’d be gobsmacked if McLaughlin stays at Ibrox beyond 2023/24.
Leon Balogun
Leon Balogun has been a central figure under Clement since the Belgian arrived in October. Michael Beale brought him back to the club in the summer as cover, but Balogun is now very important for Clement.
The 35-year-old Nigerian centre-back has forged a strong partnership with Connor Goldson and you’d expect that to last until the end of the season.
He is undoubtedly in Clement’s plans at the moment and that could earn him a one-year contract extension come May despite his age.
