By Anthony Onifade

15th Apr, 2023 | 9:10pm

John Lundstram issues new Rangers contract plea after 5-2 win v St Mirren

Rangers midfielder John Lundstram has revealed he is desperate and still waiting for a new contract to remain at Ibrox for the long haul.

The former Sheffield United man has been a mainstay of the Gers’ squad over the past two years, making 93 appearances since he joined in 2021 and still has a year remaining on his current contract.

A report emerged on 31 March suggesting Lundstram’s days as a Rangers player could well be numbered, with Rangers Review journalist, Derek Clark, claiming the Light Blues could recoup a “decent transfer fee” and that the 29-year-old is one of the high-earners at Ibrox.

However, the former Sheffield United box-to-box midfielder has stated he loves the football club and is hopeful of being rewarded with a new deal sooner rather than later.

Speaking after the Gers’ 5-2 win over St Mirren on Saturday [15 April, via Football.Scotland], he said: “I’d love to stay here for as long as the club wants me but there’s nothing at the minute.

“I love the club and have never shied away from that. I’d love to stay but there’s nothing.”

Hold off

Lundstram has indeed been a pivotal performer for the Gers ever since he joined in 2021, and will certainly be remembered for his goal against RB Leipzig in the semi-final of the Europa League run which will never be forgotten by the Rangers fans.

However, it is important the Gers don’t commit to anything right now as they hold an unhealthy record of needlessly handing out contracts to just any player, just so they can protect investments.

And that dreadful approach has meant Beale has had to contend with a bloated squad.

Certainly, Lundstram remains a hugely key figure for Beale but any decisions for a new contract must be assessed in the summer and any decision will be taken in the end by the Rangers manager.

For Lundstram, he is certainly playing for his future. He knows he has to perform at an extremely high level to convince the club hierarchy and Beale that he is worthy of a new deal because the club will not be handing them out willy-nilly any longer.

Also, if a good offer comes in for Lundstram this summer, the club won’t be blamed for considering it as it could be the last they get for the midfield veteran. As stated previously, any decisions must be made at the end of the season.

In other Rangers news, the club may now approach a sporting director who built a Champions League-winning team and can hire him for free.