An Ibrox favorite claims that Rangers botched a pre-derby trick by not revealing a new contract for a top player.
Following a 3–3 tie with Celtic the previous Saturday, the Light Blues take on Ross County this weekend. Even though they might trail the leaders from Glasgow’s east end by as many as four points going into the Dingwall match, they could take the lead if they defeat the Staggies and then Dundee in their home match.
John Lundstram has been a standout player since manager Philippe Clement took over earlier this season. The midfield player, who was recruited from Sheffield United in 2021, was reportedly close to signing a new contract, but it has since been reported that Trabzonspor is trying to get him to move to Turkey.
When his contract expires in the summer, teammate Borna Barisic is rumored to have agreed to join the Turkish team, and Ryan Kent joined Fenerbahce as a free agent last year. Lundstram’s contract expires at the end of the current campaign, and former Ibrox player Derek Ferguson believes that settling matters before playing Celtic would have given Rangers fans a little extra excitement leading up to the derby.
“If I’m honest, I’m a little bit disappointed that it hasn’t been tied up, even going into the game,” he said to Ibrox News. It [would] have been a wonderful boost, in my opinion.
Many rumors have him traveling to Turkey, but I believe that he has a bond with the supporters in addition to the management. We are grateful to him. He’s had a tremendous season. How wonderful it would be to end it all with a new contract signed.
“I just wish that had been connected to him before the game, to maybe give the supporters a little bit of encouragement and give Lundstram that confidence boost.” It’s one that ought to have been finished long ago. However, I don’t believe the manager gives that much thought. He abstains from interfering in the contract problem, leaving that to the men working behind the scenes.
