John Lundstram contract verdict emerges ahead of Mohamed Diomande transfer to Rangers
Joshua Barrie has insisted John Lundstram should be offered a new contract at Rangers regardless of high wages and the impending arrival of Mohamed Diomande.
The Rangers Review journalist claimed that, out of the five Rangers players whose contracts are set to expire in the summer, Lundstram is the one he would offer a new deal.
He insisted the midfielder has done enough in his time at Ibrox to earn a new deal, and Rangers would hold the cards over the details of the contract as Lundstram wants to remain in Glasgow.
Speaking to The Rangers Review [22 January], Barrie was asked whether the arrival of Diomande would impact the new deal, and he shared: “Rangers have, what, five players out of contract? John Lundstram is the only one who I think I’d offer a contract to.
“Not 100% guaranteed, because Lundstram came from the Premier League and I’m sure is on very high wages.
“He’s had some fantastic performances, especially in big games for Rangers, he’s a real talker in the team and clearly a real leader in the team.
“In my opinion, Lundstram has done enough to warrant a new deal. Obviously the terms, you’d imagine Rangers would hold more of the cards in this situation because Lundstram wants to stay.”
Get him tied down to a new deal
It should be one of the priorities at Ibrox over the rest of the season to get Lundstram tied down to a new deal. He has been one of the most consistent performers under Philippe Clement and has earned a new contract.
Regardless of the imminent arrival of Diomande, the two play different roles and different positions in the team, which means one shouldn’t have to be sacrificed in favour of the other – the best option would be to play the pair in midfield together.
While there is no real deadline on when they could get this deal done, and therefore January transfers may be prioritised, Lundstram would now be available to discuss a move abroad if such an approach arrived.
With the player keen, it remains on the board to get the deal done, and if for whatever reason they fail to do so, it will be obvious where the blame lays, with Lundstram confirming his intention to sign a deal if one is offered in a previous interview.
In other Rangers news, Mohamed Diomande is set for crunch talks after his medical.
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