Philippe Clement has several decisions to make and one of those is whether or not Rangers should extend the contract of John Lundstram.
The Gers boss has six players out of contract in the summer and the 30-year old midfielder is one who will be near the top of the list when the squad rebuild is being discussed.
Since the manager arrived in Glasgow, Rangers have improved immeasurably, and John Lundstram has been pivotal as he fights to earn a new contract with the Light Blues number four giving an update on negotiations.
Rangers have John Lundstram contract decision to make
To justify being one of the highest paid players at the club, there has to be certain criteria that is met.
Do they play when they are fit?
Are they available to play every week?
Can they be replaced for less money?
The problem with Lundstram is that there are conflicting reports about what his weekly wage actually is.
The narrative amongst fans, and some fan media, is that it is around the £35,000 per week mark, however, respected football finance sites like Salary Sport have it at £22,000 per week.
Given his age, Rangers should hold all the cards because John Lundstram will know that any move away from Ibrox will only be down the way.
When asked if there was any news on a contract renewal, he said:
“I’ve never shied away from saying how much I love the club and I’d love to stay but it’s obviously between me and the club to sort something out.”
Lundstram ticks most of the boxes in terms of being a key player but it is the last one that Philippe Clement has to consider.
Can he find a better player who wouldn’t cost as much money and potentially even make Rangers money in the future?
Dujon Sterling has emerged as a real defensive midfield option and Kieran Dowell has shown that he can be a versatile number eight who carries a goal threat.
Rangers are reportedly interested in Brighton playmaker Steven Alzate who is currently on loan at Standard Liege, the Colombia international is exactly the type of player we need, cast in the mould of Alexis Mac Allister.
The problem with Lundstram is that he is a hybrid who isn’t a specialist in either role.
What Rangers really need is a Steven Davis type of midfielder who can break play up but also link possession and attacking phases with his passing range.
Lundstram has been more aggressive with his passing under Clement but he still has a habit of taking the ball off the toes of the central defenders who are more than capable on the ball themselves.
Rangers shouldn’t rush into making any decisions or be held to ransom, if John Lundstram wants to stay, he might have to wait and see if we can sign anyone better first.
