When he talked earlier this season, Philippe Clement didn’t hold back when it came to the mishandling of the Rangers players’ contract situation, calling it “crazy” that six players can leave the Ibrox exit door this summer for nothing.
It happens exactly a year and a half after Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos, who both cost £7 million and had a £17 million bid rejected at the height of their careers, did the same. This time, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin, Leon Balogun, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack, and Borna Barisic are all in the same situation, though the Nigerian center back is likely to sign a one-year contract extension.
At the beginning of the season, Clement addressed the issue, saying, “It’s insane to have five players without contracts because you’re throwing away money. In the event that the contract is terminated, they become useless. We are not the world’s wealthiest club. I am aware of that. You want to bring in a transfer who can impact the field not just now but also in the coming years and sell them for more money.
“If you look back over the past few years, the club has overlooked it. Young talents that you can groom and advance to a higher level than Glasgow Rangers are what you want. It is equilibrium. It is imperative that you have players under contract.”
Rangers must thus deal with players who are under contract and make sure that the past seasons’ events don’t happen again, even as they prepare a summer reconstruction and attempt to recruit, with Nils Koppen searching the world for talent. Decisions about cashing in now or in January, or about extensions, may need to be taken.
While several players, such Ross McCausland, Nico Raskin, Jack Butland, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, and Mohamed Diomande, have contracts that expire in 2027, Record Sport focuses on the players who are either nearing the end of their current contracts or will be entering their final year next summer.
2025
Tom Lawrence – Signed on a free contract from Derby County, the Welshman has suffered an injury-plagued time at Ibrox although Clement has used him in big games.
Robby McCrorie – Penned an extension during Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s time in charge but with Liam Kelly likely to arrive, what does long term future hold? Record Sport revealed last week the keeper is a target for Aberdeen.
Alex Lowry – Light Blues youngster signed a new three-year contract in May, four months after making his debut. Clement admitted the plan was to again send the midfielder out on loan after he had a spell at Hearts.
2026
James Tavernier – Long-serving skipper played down talk of an exit this summer despite Record Sport revealing his former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard is keen to take him to the Saudi Pro League.
Connor Goldson – Part of the old guard which many fans are keen to see moved on and, like Tavernier, is attracting interest from Gerrard.
John Souttar – A pre-contract buy from Scottish Premiership rivals Hearts but has had injury issues and was ruled out of the Cup Final.
Ben Davies – Signed from Liverpool last summer and started the Scottish Cup Final but hasn’t always been first pick.
Kieran Dowell – Joined on a free transfer from Norwich City 12 months ago when Michael Beale was in charge but another hit with injuries.
Rabbi Matondo – The winger has struggled to cement a starting slot in the first team since signing for around £3m from Schalke two years ago.
Leon King – The 20-year-old featured during the run-in for Clement and will be hoping to play a prominent role going forward.
