GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 18: A general view during the pre-season friendly match between Rangers and Newcastle at Ibrox Stadium on July 18, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
With a domestic triple crown still in the balance, Rangers’ season is coming to an end. However, focus will soon shift to what promises to be another hectic summer of transfer activity.
With the appointment of Nils Koppen as head of football recruiting, manager Philippe Clement has indicated that Ibrox is already in the midst of its recruitment planning, with several changes anticipated. What then is the current situation likely to be like, and how may it alter throughout the summer?
The 33 players in Rangers’ first team this season are evaluated by GlasgowWorld to determine if they will likely remain, leave on a permanent basis, or go out on loan when the transfer window opens.
1. Jack Butland
Will undoubtedly attract plenty of transfer interest this summer but Rangers will be eager to retain his services. Verdict: KEEP
2. James Tavernier
The skipper will enter his anniversary season next year after 10 years of service to the club. He’ll be staying put. Verdict: KEEP
3. Ridvan Yilmaz
A regular visitor to the club’s treatment room and has been the subject of transfer interest from clubs in Italy and Turkey. Could the Gers look to cash in on the left-back? Verdict: SELL
4. John Lundstram
Out of contract this summer but has done enough to merit a new deal. Inconsistent at times but an ever-present under Clement. Verdict: KEEP
5. John Souttar
Always prone to lapses in concentration, but has managed to steer clear of injuries lately and is enjoying a sustained run in the XI. Verdict: KEEP
6. Connor Goldson
Has allowed his standards to drop drastically this season. Hasn’t been anywhere near his best but still a dominant presence in both boxes. Not first-choice centre back anymore. Verdict: KEEP
7. Fabio Silva
Hasn’t done enough to convince fans he is worthy of signing on a permanent basis. Very poor in recent weeks. Verdict: Return to Wolves
8. Ryan Jack
Far too injury prone. A decent squad player but never fit nowadays. Verdict: RELEASE (end of contract)
9. Cyriel Dessers
Much-maligned frontman who took his tally to 19 goals for the season with a double against Hearts. Still needs to win a section of supporters over. Verdict: KEEP
10. Tom Lawrence
If he can stay injury-free, the Welshman is a useful player to be able to call on. Capable of playing as a No10 or in a deeper midfield role. Verdict: KEEP
10. Tom Lawrence
If he can stay injury-free, the Welshman is a useful player to be able to call on. Capable of playing as a No10 or in a deeper midfield role. Verdict: KEEP
12. Todd Cantwell
Ex-Norwich City man has displayed flashes of magic at times, but can also be quite frustrating. Verdict: KEEP
13. Ianis Hagi
It will be interesting to see if the Romanian playmaker will be given a third and final chance to prove his worth under Clement’s leadership when he returns from his loan spell in Spain. Verdict: KEEP
14. Oscar Cortes
Colombian winger caught the eye on his couple of appearances after joining initially on loan from Ligue 1 side Lens in January before injury ruled him out for the season. The Gers have an option-to-buy and it’s expected they will take that up. Verdict: KEEP
15. Jose Cifuentes
A huge disappointment. His delayed arrival in Glasgow last summer had fans hoping he would live up to expectations but he struggled to adapt to the hustle and bustle of Scottish football. Returned to South America on loan and is likely to stay there. Verdict: SELL
16. Rabbi Matondo
A very useful impact sub. Arguably not as effective starting games, but capable of real flashes of quality on his day. Verdict: KEEP
