Much of the recent excitement amongst Rangers fans is the number of players that Philippe Clement has been linked with already.
Jefte is said to have agreed a move from Fluminense, Jose Cordoba is joining on a £3.2m deal from Levski Sofia, Liam Kelly is reported to have signed a Bosman deal from Motherwell and the Light Blues are winning the race for teenage winger Relebohile Mofokeng from Orlando Pirates.
It can’t just be players coming into Rangers this summer and Philippe Clement will need to make room, here are the players already linked with moves away from Ibrox.
Possible Rangers exits as Philippe Clement eyes transfer exodus
The goalkeeper department could look totally different when 2024/25 kicks off.
Kelly is an obvious link given his status as a club trained player and because he is available for free.
In terms of the current playing staff, Jon McLaughiln’s contract is expiring but there hasn’t been any indication of where he could go next.
Robby McCrorie has one year left on his deal so, if Clement’s philosophy is adhered to, he should either be offered new terms or be sold.
There’s been nothing mentioned for a while, however, last summer he was linked with Manchester United.
The painful decision could be over Jack Butland.
A £6m bid from Nottingham Forest was rejected in January but all it would take is a couple of Premier League sides to lose their number one for things to get interesting.
Any bids over the £10-15m valuation and Nils Koppen would have a decision to make.
Rangers defenders face uncertain future
In defence, there is even more uncertainty.
Borna Barisic is said to have agreed a pre-contract agreement with Trabzonspor and Ridvan Yilmaz was the subject of interest from Galatasaray right up until the last hours of the January transfer window.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see that interest rekindled.
Having Jefte already lined up is a smart move from Nils Koppen.
There’s not been much news about Leon Balogun being offered a new contract and Ben Davies has been fourth choice for much of the season and shouldn’t be short of options.
His form since coming back into the team has been encouraging.
The biggest talking point in defence has been the speculation surrounding James Tavernier and Connor Goldson.
Steven Gerrard is looking for more experience in his squad and has been mentioned as looking to be reunited with his former captain and vice-captain.
Possible senior departures in midfield
The midfield needs better balance and could well be short its two most experienced players when pre-season kicks off.
John Lundstram is a target for both Ipswich Town and Trabzonspor and, after the last few weeks, is increasingly likely to leave Ibrox.
Tom Lawrence will be in the last year of his contract and there are still doubts about the relationship between Philippe Clement and Todd Cantwell.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see them both moved on.
Rangers forward line needs a total revamp
There are no words to describe the state of the forward line.
As things stand, the only wingers at the club on permanent deals are Rabbi Matondo, Scott Wright and Ross McCausland.
Wright nearly left for Turkey last summer and Matondo’s injury record will also see Clement accept any reasonable bids.
Danilo will be glad to see the back of 2023/24 but there will be questions asked about the futures of Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers.
Feyenoord and Utrecht have been impressed with Lammers loan spell in the Eredivisie and Dessers 30 goals and assists will be attractive to potential suitors too.
Despite hoping to stay, Kemar Roofe will also depart, not because of a lack of quality, but because of a horrendous injury record.
Someone will take the ‘if we can keep him fit’ risk though.
In reality, there are only a few players who genuinely seem to be trusted by Philippe Clement and ever fewer who Nils Koppen wouldn’t sell.
The Rangers recruitment chief better keep a phone charger handy at all times because he’s going to be busy.
