Ben Davies uncomfortable at Rangers, Borna Barisic also named in quartet who could quit Ibrox – BBC pundit
Kenny Miller has named four players who the Rangers could consider letting go following an influx of new talent at Ibrox.
Miller claims that former Liverpool man Ben Davies has struggled to settle in Glasgow following his £3million switch from Jurgen Klopp’s side [Sky Sports], while some Rangers regulars including Ianis Hagi and Glen Kamara may seek new challenges outside Scotland.
Michael Beale’s side has been remarkably active in this transfer window bringing in the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers and Abdallah Sima in their bid to topple title-holder Celtic and progress to the Champions League group stage.
Writing on the Daily Record website on Sunday (9 July), BBC Scotland pundit Miller said: “The talk last season was trimming the squad a tad and although some have gone already, the additions probably have kept the numbers at a similar level. Departures are inevitable. I look at players like Glen Kamara, who have been top performers for Rangers but might think it’s time for a new challenge. Ianis Hagi is a talent but he has had a tough time and might want a fresh start.
“Ben Davies at the back has never looked that comfortable as a Rangers player, so he might be another one. You also have to look at the likes of Borna Barisic, who is heading into the last year of his contract. It gets to the stage where it might be sign a new deal or be sold.
“There will be moves and money coming in, and they might dictate what Rangers do next in the market. In the meantime, they need to put in the hard yards in pre-season to get ready for the battle ahead.”
Rebuild requirements
Rangers window so far has indicated that Beale is looking to rebuild his side. Plenty of additions have come through the door, so a need to balance the squad becomes a necessity.
With seven signings already in, perhaps it is time for some long-serving Gers to seek new challenges outside the SPL.
Barisic, for instance, has just a year remaining on his contract and could be considered surplus to requirements after he missed the tail end of the season through injury. The club should either consider a contract renewal or cashing in on the ageing defender while they can.
Davies meanwhile had a decent first campaign for Rangers but could be considered unneeded if Beale bolsters his defensive options and secures transfer target Jonathan Panzo [Football Scotland].
The likes of Hagi may be worth a sale. Still aged just 24, Rangers may be tempted by a reasonable fee considering how injury prone he has been. Kamara meanwhile, as Miller suggests, may desire a move away from Scottish football as he enters his eighth season of Scottish football after winning the league under Steven Gerrard in 2020/21.
However, a large squad overhaul may not be in Beale’s best interest. Some experienced and familiar faces are always useful, especially considering Rangers are entering a big season where they want to be challenging on all fronts.
Beale will be under pressure to challenge new Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers for the title this season following such a summer spend, so keeping some reliable players may be in his best interest.