Rangers have two players in their squad with no role to play but huge offer could change plans
Everyone in the Rangers squad has a role to play this season apart from two odd men out who can leave, according to Jordan Campbell.
Included in the majority with something to offer is Zambian attacker Fashion Sakala, who was subject of interest from Vincent Kompany’s Burnley but were not in a position to afford him.
The Gers reportedly feel pretty settled about the players at their disposal, barring a major approach in the transfer market, but there is no place for Nikola Katic or Stephen Kelly.
The Athletic’s Campbell wrote on his personal Twitter account on Thursday afternoon (11 August): “Would take something huge to alter Rangers’ plans for the squad this season. Katic & Kelly likely to leave but everyone else will play a role.”
Croatian defender Katic spent last season on loan at Hajduk Split and is surplus to requirements at Ibrox, while Scottish midfielder Kelly has been on various loans in recent seasons and is unlikely to add to his three appearances in a Light Blue shirt.
Strength in depth
It is encouraging news that Sakala hasn’t been frozen out because he offered a lot last season and is an underrated member of the squad.
The summer exodus that was feared after Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side drew so much attention to themselves on the way to the Europa League final has so far halted at just Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey.
At the same time there has been a lot of work done in the transfer market, particularly in attacking areas, to give the manager plenty of options.
Defence is the only part of the team that looks potentially slightly weak after Bassey’s move to Ajax and injury and personal problems for key signing John Souttar.
James Sands has been filling in at centre-back lately, as there is currently little chance of him breaking into the midfield on a regular basis, such is the amount of talent available there.
If injuries to key personnel don’t strike at the wrong moment there is optimism that this squad can achieve a lot this season, but overcoming PSV to reach the Champions League group stages represents a crucial early challenge.
In other Rangers news, Tom English was amazed by what he saw at Ibrox this week.