Once again, this is the time of year when clubs must make a lot of important decisions regarding people and transfers.
And that is also the case at Rangers, where Philippe Clement, who took over the starting job at Ibrox, is trying to start leaving his mark on the team he inherited from Michael Beale. The Belgian has already taken steps to bring Wolves’ Fabio Silva on loan to the Light Blues, and several more January additions are anticipated, with left back being a top priority.
But there are other important choices that need to be made in addition to who might join his team in their search for silverware. Out-of-favor individuals or fringe guys could be made available for transfer, while several of players in the ranks are out of contract come the summer. A similar stick of twist scenario faced Rangers last year when they opted against fresh terms for Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander with veteran goalkeeper and club legend Allan McGregor deciding to hang up his gloves. Fast forward six months and the talk over either putting new terms offers on the table or cutting ties begins. It is not only those under permanent contracts at the club but also loan signings up for discussion and if they’ve done enough to merit the club looking to try and strike a deal with parent clubs for next season and beyond.
On the temporary front Abdallah Sima has been a huge hit for Rangers so far this season. He’s now off to AFCON to represent Senegal but after a contribution of 15 goals and two assists from 33 outings in all competitions this season, Clement has already stated he is planning talks with the Brighton loanee to convince him to stay north of the border permanently. Fabio Silva has joined on loan from Wolves in the past week but with his reported £35million price tag to move to Mollineux – even is he does hit the ground running a full-time deal would seem unlikely with maybe an extended loan the more likely option.
There is also a host of name of top team stars who the new boss faces big decisions over including John Lundstram, who has publicly stated he would ‘love’ to pen fresh terms at the club. Borna Barisic is another who falls in the bracket.
The Rangers players out of contract in the summer
Borna Barisic
There is a big question mark over the left back role with Ridvan Yilmaz looking like it could be heading for the exit and Josh Doig heavily linked. The Croatian’s value has dropped since his standout season when Rangers won the title under Steven Gerrard. Has become something of a whipping boy but could still offer something.
John Lundstram
The midfielder is probably the biggest decision for the Light Blues. Opinions of the Scouser have fluctuated during his time at the club but he is showing signs of getting back to his best under Philippe Clement.
John Lundstram and Liam Donnelly
Signed on a free and more than repaid that with his performances on the run to the Europa League final alone and would love to stick around.
Leon Balogun
Raised a few eyebrows when he returned last summer but has surprised many and is now one of the first choice central defenders. But he will be 36-years-old in the summer and hard to see him getting another deal.
Ryan Jack
The midfielder is currently unavailable and that has been the case too often with the midfielder. He was handed a 12-month extension last season and some even questioned that – and the fact he has still been troubled by injuries will likely see his departure.
Jon McLaughlin
Scotland squad man will be 37 next season and almost certain to move on. Was handed a shot at the No. 1 jersey under Giovanni van Bronckhorst but failed to grasp his opportunity. Has been a dependable squad man but time to move on.
Kemar Roofe
It’s hard to see anything other than the striker’s time at Ibrox coming to an end by which time he will have spent four years in Govan. The decision won’t be anything to do with his form as he has proven himself to be a big game player with some huge goals – his historic winner against Real Betis in Spain late last year an example – but his injury record means he hasn’t been available nearly often enough.
Abdallah Sima (loan end)
No question about his contribution during his time at Ibrox with 15 goals and he’ll be a big miss while he’s on duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations. He joined Brighton for a fee of around £6 million from Slavia Prague but he will enter his final year at the Seagulls next season so a deal might not be out of the question.
Fabio Silva (loan end)
A 20-minute runout against Kilmarnock isn’t enough to judge how he will handle life at Ibrox and the Scottish Premiership but, regardless, it’s hard to see a permanent deal being within Rangers’ reach unless Wolves are willing to take a massive hit on a player they spent £35 million on and is still under contract at Molineux at 2026.
