Philippe Clement has spoken since January about the size of the task at Rangers and the problems that have been caused by an ill-fitting player trading model.
A bloated squad has seen academy players given a chance only through injury and necessity and Michael Beale’s desire to sign individuals who are ‘broken’ but used to be good has left the current manager with a difficult task.
Nils Koppen has shown already, with the January additions, that he can spot a player who fits the profile, however, Philippe Clement and the recruitment director have a much more difficult task for Rangers this summer.
Nils Koppen has hard task for Rangers rebuild
There are six players over 30 who are set to leave which doesn’t create a problem.
All, other than Jon McLaughlin, are on the wages that key players earn but only John Lundstram played frequently enough to justify them – contribution and quality for money is another story.
Instantly, Koppen and Clement know that they have a bit of space on the wage bill, but the damage done last summer could be the biggest issue.
Selling fringe players or players who the manager doesn’t want to build his squad around could be what makes or breaks this summer.
Ridvan Yilmaz will likely attract interest from Turkey again, Ben Davies has a solid reputation and has played well since his return, but the big question will be if he wants to have Connor Goldson and James Tavernier around despite what he said recently:
“I expect them to be here next season, that is my expectation.
“My players come to speak with me if they have doubts or if they want to go or if they are out of contract. We have that relationship.
“If I need to speak to every player where there is a rumour about, then we won’t train too much.”
Money needs to be made and players moved out
The midfield needs attention too and it will be hoped that Jose Cifuentes can be sold given how he clearly doesn’t want to stay in Scotland.
Kieran Dowell, like Davies, is also well respected in England and could have potential suitors.
The only good thing is that neither of them cost much money.
The forward line is where most attention is needed.
Rabbi Matondo and Scott Wright simply aren’t of the quality needed to progress.
They are capable of moments, but Philippe Clement needs consistency and quality, something that neither of them have.
Danilo and Cyriel Dessers between them will score goals and Kemar Roofe’s departure means that a third striking option will be a priority, should an offer come in for Dessers or Sam Lammers, it won’t be a long negotiating process if the price is right though.
If Koppen can sell as many of the players who are always injured or on the bench as possible, the opportunity to add replacements who can play a bigger part opens up.
It’s easier said than done though.
