When the final whistle blew at Hampden four months ago it was expected to be the end of an era for that particular Rangers team. It was seen as a cycle coming to a natural conclusion with Steven Gerrard having left during the season to be replaced by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
But, despite the arrival of seven summer signings, the team sheet doest really look that different this campaign after all. Twelve of the 17 players involved in the extra time Scottish Cup final win over Hearts in May are still at Ibrox. Yes, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey left for big money but some of the old guard stayed with Allan McGregor, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield all handed extensions. There was speculation over Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent as they entered the final year of their deals but they also remained.
So many statistics have been swirling around in recent weeks to highlight the need to freshen things up. Nine of the starting XI against Ajax were at Rangers during Gerrard’s first season. The latest is that only Sheyi Ojo has left from the team that started a home Europa League win over Feyenoord THREE years ago. What seems clear now is that the big squad overhaul is definitely coming – in what will be one year after it was originally forecast. Here Record Sport looks at when every player in the squad’s contract expires which indicates who might be heading out of Ibrox either in January or the summer.
2023
Allan McGregor - The veteran keeper put off retirement to sign a summer extension but this will almost certainly be his last season.
Robby McCrorie - Third choice goalkeeper has struggled for game time and will either move up the pecking order or move on.
Filip Helander - The Swede has spent too much time on the treatment table and looks set for summer exit, or before if Gers can find a buyer.
Adam Devine - Youngster is now the back-up right back following the departures of both Nathan Patterson and Mateusz Zukowski.
Ryan Jack - Scotland midfielder still a regular so a decision will soon have to be made on the 30-year-old.
Scott Arfield - Former Burnley man signed an extension in the summer but almost certain to move on at the end of deal.
Steven Davis - Giovanni van Bronckhorst has turned to the veteran at times this season and perhaps more often than he would have liked but will surely move on next summer.
James Sands - His 18-month loan coming to an end and the decision has to be made on reported £4.7 million fee to buy him from New York City.
Malik Tillman - Bayern Munich loanee made brilliant start to Ibrox career but has gone off the boil and another where a decision has to be made on permanent deal.
Ryan Kent - Speculation over his future has ben ramped up as he approaches final six months of his contract so could leave for free.
Alfredo Morelos - Gio van Bronckhorst was confident the Colombian would sign a new deal but he hasn’t and he’s in the same boat as Kent. Would be huge loss.
2024
Jon McLaughlin - Started the season as first choice but has been forced out of the team by injury although his form might have resulted in that happening anyway.
Leon King - Emerging talent and looks like one for the future. Handed a start against Dundee United and could be a key man for years to come and club will soon be looking beyond current deal.
Borna Barisic - Has been at Ibrox since Seven Gerrard’s first summer and continues to be a mainstay in the team.
Charlie McCann - Youngster was handed a start by van Bronckhorst and speaks highly of the Northern Ireland youth international.
John Lundstram - Former Sheffield United man has become a cult hero and club will almost certainly try to get him tied down for longer.
Ianis Hagi - Romanian has been sidelined through injury for almost a year and will be like a new signing.
Kemar Roofe - Jamaica international has struggled with injuries during his time at Ibrox and unavailable just now.
2025
Glen Kamara - The Finn is one many fans believe is an example of a player who should have been moved on to freshen things up.
Tom Lawrence - Made an impressive start to his Gers career before injury. A key man going forward.
Nnamdi Ofoborh - Has had terrible time after medical examination shortly after his arrival detected a heart issue so hasn’t kicked a ball. Unclear what the future holds.
Alex Lowry - Youngster is currently crocked but has earned rave reviews and high hopes.
Scott Wright - Gio van Bronckhorst appears to be a real fan of the former Aberdeen winger who scored in Scottish Cup final.
Fashion Sakala - Zambian international is a bit-part player but decent option off the bench. Hasn’t featured since the Celtic trouncing.
Antonio Colak - Can’t argue with his goals so far since summer arrival from PAOK Salonika. Has been value for money.
2026
James Tavernier - Skipper signed a new deal to continue to lead the team which will take him to a decade at Ibrox.
Connor Goldson - Surprised many when he signed a new four-year deal in the summer so is around for the long haul.
Ben Davies - Big signing from Liverpool but has barely featured due to lack of fitness. However, should be a key man going forward given his price tag.
John Souttar - Former Hearts man has struggled with injuries in the past and it’s been a stuttering start at Ibrox but has time on his side after penning four-year deal.
Rabbi Matondo - Summer signing from Schalke has failed to impress and didn’t even make the squad for Dundee United.
2027
Ridvan Yilmaz - Vice-chairman John Bennett said to judge the Turkish international over course of his five year deal rather than five weeks with little game time since arriving from Besiktas.
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