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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Gavin Berry

The 16 transfers Rangers might need to push the button on as Ibrox exodus list lengthens

It was a photo that had the look of High School leavers on their final day.

Five close pals, sitting on a wall and wondering what the future might hold.

And for the Rangers Five that might be the case as they got a special image captured.

Joe Aribo, Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara, Calvin Bassey and Connor Goldson have built up a strong bond during their time together at Ibrox.

That’s why that picture of the quintet at Hampden on Saturday, posing with the Scottish Cup trophy with the fans in the background, could be significant.

It’s almost certain they won’t play together again and there is even an outside chance none of them will even be at Rangers next season depending on just how much Giovanni van Bronckhorst chooses or is forced to rip things up for a major rebuild.

Here, Record Sport looks at the positions to see where Rangers are likely to need to recruit in their quest for Champions League football and to win back the Scottish Premiership.

Goalkeepers

This is going to be a priority position for Rangers and filling the gloves of Allan McGregor is going to be tough.

McGregor played such a huge part in the Ibrox side’s rise under Steven Gerrard and his experience and quality will be difficult to replace.

Jon McLaughlin extended his contract but is likely the back up along with Robby McCrorie and finding a top level No. 1 is the aim.

Benjamin Siegrist confirmed his departure from Dundee United and is available on a free as is Martin Fraisl who has left Schalke. Both have been linked. Fraisl has revealed he will leave the club and will move to a 'foreign-speaking country’.

Defence

The trio of McGregor, James Tavernier and Connor Goldson have been so consistent over the last four years and both Steven Gerrard and van Bronckhorst have been able to rely on them.

However, it’s likely two-thirds of that unit will depart with McGregor given a Hampden send-off and the Gers boss admitting Goldson is likely to move on.

Borna Barisic just falls short of being included in that company having initially taken time to find his feet and then struggling at times this season after an outstanding last campaign.

The Croat has also found himself playing second fiddle at times to Calvin Bassey in the left back role.

Barisic is one who could decide it’s time for a new challenge while Bassey is one Rangers will be desperate to keep but his recent displays could result in a mega-bucks bid that is tempting.

Filip Helander is still under contract but his time spent on the treatment table might see him moved on, the same goes for Niko Katic when he returns from his loan spell and it’s unclear if Leon Balogun will stick around.

That could see up to SIX defenders needing replaced and that’s not counting the likes of Jack Simpson who has been a squad filler. James Sands can play at the back and has another season left of his loan and January buy Mateusz Zukowski has still to show what he can do.

Midfield

John Lundstram was the one summer signing from last season who proved a success and he will play a key role going forward along with Hampden hero Ryan Jack.

But veteran Steven Davis looks likely to move on and while he has been used sparingly this season his experience since his return has been vital.

The big question is over the likes of Joe Aribo and Glen Kamara. They are still only mid-20s so have plenty to offer but it’s now about timing.

They, or the club, might feel it’s simply time for a fresh challenge and there would be no shortage of bidders for the pair and that cash could help fund a rebuild.

Ianis Hagi has to return from injury and will be key next season while Scott Arfield has signed an extension but, aged 33, you have to expect his game time will be more limited.

And can Nnamdi Ofoborh overcome his heart issue detected 12 months ago? Sands can play in midfield but Aaron Ramsey will return to Juventus so if Aribo and Kamara were to move on then you are again looking at possible FIVE midfielders needed.

Attack

Rangers have been forced to play without a recognised striker for the season’s run-in so that tells you the importance of signing frontmen.

They have relied too much on Alfredo Morelos at times during his Ibrox spell and the Colombian could finally be about to move on after what has become an annual summer transfer saga.

Rangers racked up an impressive 3-0 lead over Red Star Belgrade (SNS Group)

Jermain Defoe started this season as a player so will also need replace in the squad in terms of numbers.

Kemar Roofe’s injury record means it’s hard to rely on him as a first choice pick every week and Ryan Kent falls into the category of the pictured quintet who might feel it’s time to return to England.

Cedric Itten, despite having a year left, doesn’t look as if he has much part to play going forward, but Scott Wright and Fashion Sakala have shown they're capable of contributing. However, four new attacking options might be needed.

Summary

Whatever way you look at it, there’s going to be a major rebuild and Ross Wilson and his team could be looking at identifying double digits in terms of the number of players needed.

The key is the likes of Joe Aribo, Glen Kamara, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos - a quartet who have been over the course at Ibrox. Do they have the desire to go again or would the club prefer to cash in and start a fresh.

Kamara has a longer content the other three and if they are unwilling to extend beyond next year then the club might have to make a call and avoid risking another Goldson scenario.

It’s going to be a fascinating summer and the starting XI in the first game of next season could be barely recognisable.

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