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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

Where every Rangers player stands as Gio van Bronckhorst faces major Ibrox squad rebuild

Rangers fans all seem to be in agreement that a massive rebuild is required in the summer with many having already given up on hopes of retaining the title.

Assuming they don’t overhaul that six-point deficit and huge goal difference to Celtic in the remaining games then much of that failure can be put down to recruitment.

Steven Gerrard didn’t exactly hide the fact that he felt there was a lack of investment in the summer as they failed to build on last season’s historic title success.

And following the Liverpool legend’s departure for Aston Villa at the end of last season, the arrivals in January haven’t given Giovanni van Bronckhorst the boost he needed.

Plenty of supporters don’t even want the Dutchman to be given the chance to carry out the surgery needed on the squad.

That might seem harsh given the short time he’s been in the job but the remaining games of the season will determine the mood going into the summer as they chase the Scottish Cup and Europa League.

What isn’t up for debate is that sporting director Ross Wilson has a big job on his hands with the manager and here Record Sport assesses the squad and what the future might hold for each member.

Goalkeepers

Allan McGregor - Time to end Ibrox love affair

The veteran is arguably the club’s greatest ever goalkeeper but, at the age of 40 and with his contract coming to an end, has come in for some flak this season due to a drop in his own high standards and now is probably the time for him to call it a day.

Jon McLaughlin - Going nowhere

The 34-year-old penned a new deal at the start of the year to keep him at Rangers until 2024 so he’ll be sticking around to challenge an incoming goalkeeper for the No. 1 shirt.

Robby McCrorie - Going nowhere

Academy kid is highly rated and proved at the start of the season that he can step up to the plate when Covid issues saw him thrown in for huge games, including the Old Firm derby. Contracted until 2023.

Andy Firth - Moving on

The Scouser is currently on loan at Partick Thistle for the final few months of his Rangers deal and will almost certainly leave in the summer.

Defenders

James Tavernier - Going nowhere

After leading Rangers to last season’s historic title the captain penned a deal to keep him at Ibrox until 2024 and the skipper is vital to Giovanni van Bronckhorst going forward.

Connor Goldson - Moving on

Unless there is a dramatic change the defender will almost certainly return south of the border after failing to commit to a contract extension - a situation that appeared to be a distraction in the early part of the season.

(SNS Group)

Leon Balogun - New deal

With Goldson almost certainly moving on then the Nigeria international is one the Ibrox club should be securing at least on another year. His experience and versatility is crucial.

Borna Barisic - Going nowhere

The Croatian is a shadow of the player who was so crucial in winning title number 55 but offered a reminder of what he can do, albeit against weak opposition, in the win over St Mirren and with his current deal running until 2024 then it’s about restoring his confidence.

Calvin Bassey - Going nowhere

The youngster has emerged as a real key player this season and his ability to play at centre or left back make him a great asset.

Leon King - One for the future

Giovanni van Bronckhorst turned to the kid when Filip Helander was injured against St Mirren and there are real high hopes for him. Contracted until 2024 and could have a bigger part to play next season.

Filip Helander - For sale

There is no doubt the Swede, on his day, is one of the best defenders at the club but he has been on the treatment table too often, albeit his latest injury at St Mirren on Sunday was down to bad luck, and with his contract up at the end of next season it could be time to look elsewhere.

Mateusz Zukowski - Going nowhere

Polish full back only arrived in January and the challenge next season is to fight for top team spot.

Jack Simpson - Sell

The former Bournemouth man was linked with a move out in January and will surely return to England in the summer.

Midfielders

Joe Aribo - New deal or sell

Nigeria international hasn’t been at his best in the second half of the season but scored a scorcher against St Mirren and started the campaign on fire. Still a key man but as he enters the final year of his contract the club can’t risk losing for free.

Ryan Kent - New deal or sell

Another who will kick off the final 12 months of his contract a the start of the next season and he could be tempted to return south of the border. If that is his intention then has to be moved on for money.

Aaron Ramsey - No permanent move

Juventus are reportedly set to rip up the Welshman’s contract in the summer but he hasn’t featured in enough games since his January arrival to justify the type of wages he would command.

Steven Davis - Time to end Ibrox love affair

The Northern Ireland veteran came in from the cold to feature as a substitute against St Mirren and his lack of appearances has left many pundits and former players puzzled. However, as he approaches his 38th birthday there is no room for sentiment and it’s probably time to move on when his deal expires.

(Getty Images)

Scott Arfield - New deal

Giovanni van Bronckhorst confirmed contract talks are taking place with the 33-year-old and the former Canada captain can play a part going forward.

James Sands - Going nowhere… for now

The American penned an 18-month loan deal so he’ll be at Ibrox for next season at least although hasn’t really played enough to know whether a permanent move is on the cards after that.

Ryan Jack - First choice

Midfielder is a key man in that Rangers engine room and the aim will be to get him to commit beyond his final year.

Ianis Hagi - Going nowhere

Romanian’s injury has been a real blow to Giovanni van Bronckhorst and getting him back fit for next season will be like a new signing.

John Lundstram - Going nowhere

It took time for the former Sheffield United man to start motoring at Rangers but has become a key man and his ability to slot into defence has also been key.

Glen Kamara - Going nowhere

The Finn was an automatic starter under Steven Gerrard and while van Bronckhorst hasn't relied upon him just as much there is no doubting his value.

Alex Lowry - One for the future

A new deal for the classy kid is a priority and he looks to have a big future ahead of him.

Scott Wright - Squad player

The former Aberdeen man hasn’t made the impact many expected but can he a decent squad player.

Nnamdi Ofoborh - Depends on fitness

Signed a four-year deal at the start of 2021 but hasn’t kicked a ball after a fitness check picked up a heart issue which will determine his future.

Attackers

Alfredo Morelos - Sell unless new deal can be agreed

It wouldn’t be a summer transfer window without speculation over the Colombian’s future but this might finally be the time. His latest injury that has ended his season would make it a sad end to his time at Ibrox but with a year to go Gers can’t risk losing him for nothing.

Cedric Itten - Sell

The Swiss striker has barely featured and while they won’t recoup the £2.7 million, it’s time to cut their losses.

Kemar Roofe - Going nowhere

The Jamaica international underlined his value with his hat-trick against St Mirren and if anything he is likely play a bigger part next season, especially if Alfredo Morelos does move on, with a deal until 2024.

Fashion Sakala - Going nowhere

It’s clear to see there is plenty of room for improvement but unlikely to be moved on after just one year and can play a part, especially domestically.

Amad Diallo - Old Trafford return

The Manchester United youngster has failed to live up to the hype of his loan move north of the border and won’t be back.

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