As the Rangers board come under fire and sporting director Ross Wilson has his squad management questioned, the Ibrox side are looking at a major summer overhaul.
Regardless of what happens with Giovanni van Bronckhorst in the coming weeks, with an air of negativity now surrounding the Dutch coach, it’s not just the ex-Ibrox star in the crosshairs.
There is growing concern regarding a disconnect between the club’s hierarchy and an expectant fan base who continue to embrace and fund numerous schemes but feel distant from the club they love.
But whilst the commercial operations and the everyday running of the club are one story, the situation with the Rangers squad as things stand is another altogether.
Sporting director Ross Wilson was lauded when he joined the club from Premier League Southampton and has had sporadic success with the club’s recruitment.
The ex-Falkirk man has overseen the club’s transfer record for a fee received being smashed not once but twice whilst the recruitment in the summer of 2020 filled the necessary gaps to secure 55.
But since then things have taken something of a wayward turn as Rangers are criticised for failing to freshen up the squad whilst they had the chance.
Rangers and Ross Wilson face dramatic summer overhaul
Now, Rangers may be forced into a dramatic summer overhaul as up to 8 key players face leaving the club when the end of the season rolls around.
Veteran stars Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield are all out of contract amid complaints of an ageing squad on a downwards slope. Perennially injured Ryan Jack will also see his current deal expire.
High earners and one-time Ibrox assets Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have still not signed new contracts – despite the club’s insistence they are in discussions – with both players free to discuss moves elsewhere in January.
Many view the situation with both these players as a frighteningly poor example of squad management and despite Connor Goldson signing on in a similar situation, there are fears that won’t be the case here.
Especially given both players are frighteningly out of form.
Then there is Swedish international Filip Helander, another high earner who did not come cheap from Bologna but who has spent the majority of his time at Ibrox on the treatment table. The defender is also out of contract this summer.
The form of Glen Kamara – although contracted to 2025 – has also fallen off a cliff and after almost moving to Nice on deadline day there is a feeling the Finnish international won’t be around for much longer.
This is eight key players who have contributed massively – when fit – over their time at the club and the fact that Rangers will have to replace their influence without (Kamara aside) raising a transfer fee raises serious questions.
With money tight and Rangers failing to properly fix the roof when the sun was shining 18 months ago, it also raises serious doubts regarding whether Ross Wilson is the man to oversee such an overhaul.
Talking of the club’s transfer business, will the Ibrox hierarchy rue not going to the well one more time when the club was on top?
