close
close
Local

Next on Koppen's exit list identified as two Rangers stars linked with transfers

Aside from attracting new faces to the Rangers, one of Nils Koppen's most important tasks will be to take various players off the payroll and send them out the door.

The Auchenhowie treatment room is one of the busiest in the building, with only Jack Butland getting through the season with a completely clean bill of health.

Philippe Clement became increasingly frustrated last season with dealing with a long list of injuries, but it already appears that the Rangers are trying to clear the decks of those who are paid a lot and offer little.

(LR) Kieran Dowell of Rangers, Yorbe Vertessen of PSV during the UEFA Champions League match between Rangers and PSV at Ibrox Stadium in August...
Photo by Photo Prestige/Soccrates/Getty Images

The Rangers walk wounded and walk away

Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe and Borna Barisic were released, taking with them their respective lengthy medical records.

This week saw two more names added to the list of potential departures, which would bring much-needed additional funds to the manager and head of recruitment as they look to improve the squad.

Tom Lawrence started his Rangers career on fire, however, a harmless knee injury suffered in injury time of a 4-0 win over Ross County robbed him of more than a year of his time at Ibrox.

It's not just the time he wasted.

The 30-year-old seems slower than before and has also suffered a series of nasty muscle injuries.

Premier League newcomers Ipswich have been credited with interest, as have Besiktas, of whom Giovanni van Bronckhorst is now in charge.

Last season, Ridvan Yilmaz finally showed what he could do, but, when he was needed most, his body let him down.

When everyone was fit, Clement very rarely rotated his defense for fun and will look for someone he can count on to be available each week.

Ridvan was close to Rangers' exit in January, however, Jefte couldn't be kicked out of APOEL and the little Turk stayed put.

Besiktas – again with Gio considering a player he signed for Rangers – and Galatasaray have been linked with bringing the 23-year-old left-back home.

Koppen appears to be starting to clear with light stars

There will be a few players who have been told offers will be accepted with Kenny Miller's long roll call probably not far away.

Kieran Dowell is too well paid to sit in the stands, Connor Goldson has now suffered two serious injuries in the last two seasons and Rabbi Matondo's goal contribution for a ratio of 90 betrays an availability as low as anyone's over the past two seasons.

Getting these players out to raise funds might just be Nils Koppen's toughest task this summer.

Related Topics

Related Articles

Back to top button