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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Liam Bryce

Kris Commons in Connor Goldson Rangers claim as he insists contract uncertainty 'tells me one thing'

Kris Commons reckons Connor Goldson already has another move lined up as he approaches the end of his Rangers contract.

But the pundit and former Celtic star insists fans won't hold it against the centre-back if he delivers the Europa League trophy to Ibrox.

Goldson is approaching the final weeks of his deal and there's been little to no news on the prospect of a renewal over the past several months.

The 29-year-old former Brighton defender has previously said his next contract must be the right one for his family and there's been speculation he's preparing to return to England.

And ex-Celtic star Commons is convinced Goldson has made his decision.

He wrote in his Daily Mail column: "It's all gone quiet with regards to his future and I strongly suspect there's now an acceptance that he will be moving on as a free agent in the summer.

"The fact that he has allowed his contract to run down this far into the season tells me one thing - he's almost certainly got something sorted elsewhere.

"Some people might think the incentive of Champions League football would convince him to stay, but I disagree. It looks to me like his mind is already made up.

"It's a financial decision more than anything else. Goldson is now 29 years old. He probably feels like he has one big contract left in him.

"He could move down south to a decent Championship club, double his wages, and secure his family's future if he gets a three or four-year deal.

"You can't hold that against him because he has been a terrific servant to Rangers from the moment he walked through the door in 2018. He's now coming towards the end of his fourth season at Ibrox and he has played over 50 games in every campaign.

"He barely misses a match. He's a league title winner who helped stop Celtic getting 10 In A Row and has also now reached a European final with Rangers.

Connor Goldson (SNS Group)

"He might well feel he has achieved all he can at Ibrox. Certainly, if Rangers can beat Eintracht Frankfurt to win the Europa League, that would be the perfect farewell for Goldson."

Commons, however, reckons the ever-present defender's departure wouldn't be a disaster - stressing Rangers have several options in replacing him.

And he's also confident winning a European trophy would "sweeten the blow" for supporters, too.

Commons wrote: "From Rangers' point of view as a club, I wouldn't necessarily lose any sleep over him leaving. He's been a good player, but he's not irreplaceable.

"You've got Calvin Bassey already at the club, a young player who has stepped up massively over these past few months.

"He's a really big, powerful boy who has grown into the role at centre-back since moving from left-back a few months ago. He can lead the Rangers defence as and when Goldson departs.

"You've also got John Souttar arriving at the club in the summer, a Scotland international with good pedigree who has impressed this season with Hearts when fit.

"Leon King looks to be an excellent academy prospect and should be involved more as a squad player next term.

"You also have Niko Katic to come back to Ibrox from his loan spell with Hajduk Split. He's someone Rangers shouldn't have let go in the first place.

"So there are plenty of candidates to step in and replace Goldson when the time comes. The only disappointing thing from the club's point of view is losing him on a free transfer.

"If Goldson can help guide the club to glory in Seville, I dare say that might just be enough to sweeten the blow.

"He barely misses a match. He's a league winner and reached a European final."

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