Glasgow Rangers are on the lookout for a permanent manager heading into the 2025/26 season.
With the 49ers Enterprises takeover edging towards completion, they will be keen on securing a high-profile name to take the club forward.
Steven Gerrard is a name that has been linked with a return to Ibrox, but perhaps Marco Rose would be the best option for the Gers.
The German is among one of the favourites to land the coveted role. If he does move to Glasgow, there are at least four high-profile players that both the club and he must shift from the wage bill this summer.
A fresh start is needed all across the park, starting with Jack Butland in the sticks…
1
Jack Butland
The Englishman’s mistake against Celtic in the Scottish Cup final last season has been the catalyst for a poor season at Ibrox.
The £25k-per-week goalkeeper has made a slew of mistakes throughout the season, while conceding 48 goals and keeping just 14 clean sheets across 42 matches in all competitions.
Rose could cash in on the player in the summer as he looks to recruit someone who is at their peak.
2
James Tavernier
The captain, who earns £30k-per-week, is currently heading into the final year of his contract at Ibrox.
That comes amid a poor individual season, which has seen Tavernier register only 17 goal involvements, a far cry from the 36 he recorded last term.
A new direction is needed at Ibrox, and with the Englishman turning 34 in October, surely now is the time for the club to sell him and move on.
|
James Tavernier’s stats at Rangers since joining |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Season |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
|
2023/24 |
58 |
24 |
12 |
|
2022/23 |
55 |
18 |
10 |
|
2021/22 |
58 |
18 |
17 |
|
2020/21 |
46 |
19 |
16 |
|
2019/20 |
46 |
3 |
16 |
|
2018/19 |
57 |
17 |
20 |
|
2017/18 |
46 |
9 |
9 |
|
2016/17 |
44 |
2 |
7 |
|
2015/16 |
50 |
15 |
23 |
|
Via Transfermarkt |
|||
After yet another campaign that will end without a trophy, Tavernier’s influence is significantly on the wane. That much is certain.
3
Kieran Dowell
Michael Beale signed Dowell in the summer of 2023 as his contract expired with Norwich City, but he made only 17 appearances for the club in his maiden season.
It became clear he wasn’t at the required level to take the Light Blues to the next level and after 16 games this term, the £16k-per-week midfielder joined Birmingham City on a loan deal.
Ten goal involvements across 22 matches proves Dowell has found his level and the Midlands side could look at signing the Englishman on a permanent basis this summer.
This is a move Rose will surely sanction, allowing him funds to strengthen his squad.
4
Ben Davies
Davies is another player who spent time on loan with Birmingham City this season. After two fairly underwhelming seasons at Ibrox, Philippe Clement sent him on loan to League One last summer. The £27k-per-week defender, like Dowell, appears to have found his level during his temporary stay.
The centre-back has won 70% of his total duels in the third tier this season, along with averaging 6.2 clearances and making 1.1 tackles per game.
Following their promotion, the Blues might want to keep Davies at the club permanently and this is something Rangers must look at pushing through.
He doesn’t seem like a player who would thrive under Rose, and freeing up his massive wages would certainly help the German in the transfer window.
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