When Leon Balogun signed for Rangers, the chances of Lewis Mayo being given his chance to play a backup role this season diminished greatly.
The 23-year old was on the Germany pre-season trip and was in the squad for Allan McGregor’s testimonial match against Ibrox.
The Auchenhowie academy graduate’s time at Rangers is over though with the news that the versatile defender is returning to Kilmarnock, as reported by the Rangers website.
The Scotland youth international has been playing senior football for some time now and has a series of successful loan spells under his belt.
Capable of playing at full-back, centre-half and as a defensive midfielder, Mayo is a valuable squad member for any manager with a tight wage budget.
Rangers allowed Lewis Mayo to go to Kilmarnock last season for his first campaign in the Scottish Premiership and obviously impressed Derek McInnes.
Mayo is an example of the academy being a success despite not making an impact at Rangers, although he did score in a friendly at Ibrox.
He has brought in a transfer fee and, like Ross McCrorie who has now moved to Bristol City, will probably have a sell on clause as part of the deal too.
Rangers academy success proven with Lewis Mayo move
There are numerous academy players released every season and few make it to the first-team.
This isn’t a situation exclusive to Rangers and happens all over the footballing world.
A good outcome is when a youngster becomes a regular member of the senior squad like Leon King or Alex Lowry, an exceptional one is a Barry Ferguson or Allan McGregor but there is a reason players like that don’t come around very often.
Rangers now have Johnly Yfeko looking to push into the first team too alongside Leon King so it makes sense to let Lewis Mayo leave.
The purpose of the academy isn’t to make money or to produce players for the first team, it’s to prepare and develop young players for the rigours of senior football.
Lewis Mayo, signing a contract until 2026 with Kilmarnock, has been a success of the system, even if his future lies away from Rangers
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