The most recent information regarding a player in whom Rangers has long had an interest may have given them a lift in their summer transfer plans.
Changes are coming to Philippe Clement’s side.
Rangers, who are currently tied for first place in the Scottish Premiership with their Glasgow rivals, will focus all of their efforts on ending the season well because they still have two Old Firm games left this season, which might have a significant impact on the final winner of the championship.
Beyond that, though, a significant team reconstruction is expected, so there is a lot of uncertainty around the Scottish giants.
A significant portion of the title run-in could be missed by a Gers star.
At the end of the season, the contracts of Kemar Roofe, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, and Jon McLaughlin will expire. While Philippe Clement is keen to retain some of them, the decision to negotiate with clubs across Europe is now outside of his control.
Goalie Jack Butland, captain James Tavernier, and other players have been linked to transfers away from Ibrox ahead of the new season. Ben Davies and Sam Lammers are also free to leave should bids for their services materialise.
As a result, focus will need to shift to incomings, as the Gers roster has several holes to fill before the upcoming campaign. However, Clement and company might have benefited from the most recent information from the continent.
Prospective Rangers get advantage over free agent
Gijs Smal, a full-back, will depart FC Twente on a free transfer at the end of the current campaign, the club has confirmed.
“The contracts of Gijs Smal, Joshua Brenet, and Ricky van Wolfswinkel are about to expire. Gis Smal has made it clear that he intends to quit FC Twente at the end of the current campaign and will not be renewing his contract, the club said in a statement.
The Dutchman has been linked to Rangers and Celtic, and he has been suggested as Barisic’s successor at Ibrox. Barisic is one of the players most likely to depart this summer.
| How Smal compares to current Rangers options (23/24) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Barisic | Yilmaz | Smal |
| Appearances | 20 | 24 | 17 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Tackles + interceptions (per 90 mins) | 3 | 1.95 | 2.55 |
| Progressive passes (per 90 mins) | 4.2 | N/A | 6.9 |
Among his many Scottish fans is Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson, who noted that he can deliver “quality deliveries” among other things.
“Small would be willing to sprint to the byline and would deliver great passes from the left side. He gives a little bit more pace and aggression on that side and is five years younger than Barisic,” Watson said.
Small was reportedly close to agreeing to a transfer to Feyenoord when his contract expired, but Rangers will be trying to persuade him of an eleventh-hour change of heart as official confirmation has not yet been provided.
