John Bennett puts foot down at Rangers as Michael Beale forced to make decision on Antonio Colak and key stars
Rangers chairman John Bennett has seemingly stamped his authority again at Ibrox as he forces Michael Beale into a key decision on his players this summer, including Antonio Colak in particular.
The Gers have been rather impressive and efficient in their recruitment so far after announcing Nigerian striker Cyriel Dessers as their sixth signing of the summer from Cremonese for an undisclosed fee, signing a four-year deal at Ibrox.
The former Feyenoord man now follows Abdallah Simah, Sam Lammers, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell through the Ibrox doors this summer, but it is now clear that Michael Beale isn’t stopping there as he looks to significantly rebuild his squad ahead of the new season.
The Gers boss has also been linked with a few more to walk through the Ibrox doors, with interests in the likes of Feyenoord Brazilian striker Danilo, Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes and Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo.
Beale is certainly proving successful in his attempts to build Rangers into his own image at Ibrox, however, the former QPR boss has been hit with red tape by Bennett and other club chiefs if he is to get at least two of those aforementioned names through the Auchenhowie doors.
According to the Scottish Sun (9 July), Beale has to sell three big-name players this summer if he is to further fund his Ibrox revolution this summer, with Bennett clearly putting his foot down to ensure the Gers manage to balance the books financially.
Beale still has some bit-part players in his squad to sell such as Glen Kamara and Rabbi Matondo and according to The 4th Official, writing on their personal Twitter account [1 July], the Gers will be focusing on potential outgoings over the coming weeks, and it seems as if the Rangers boss has made a frank decision on Antonio Colak who can count himself unlucky to form a part of the club exodus.
It is understood by the Scottish Sun (9 July) that Rangers would be willing to listen to offers for around £2m for the Croatian’s services this summer as he reportedly doesn’t fit in Beale’s tactical plans for the new season.
With Rangers already completing deals for Abdallah Sima, Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers, Colak’s short stint at Ibrox now certainly looks to be coming to an abrupt end.
Beale’s thoughts of the 29-year-old are understandable and certainly aren’t disrespectful, and he is certainly well within his rights doesn’t to see him as the sort of player that he is looking for in the way he wants Rangers to play because in actual fact, the Gers bosses hands have been forced in letting a few players go, and Colak’s potential bit-part role at Ibrox means he’d be a costly head just rotting on the bench.
The former QPR boss certainly inherited an incredibly bloated squad and following the exits of Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander, and the Ibrox exodus will be continuing in abundance because it is absolutely necessary.
Players such as Kamara and Mattondo will almost certainly be following Colak out the door at Ibrox, and Bennett’s authority and decisions regarding the Rangers’ financial health are well worth being exploited to ensure that Beale can continue to build his side into title favourites next season.
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