Rangers: Andy Halliday questions John Lundstram contract decision at Ibrox
Andy Halliday has questioned the decision at Rangers to potentially hand John Lundstram a new contract after the change in recruitment at Ibrox.
Since the arrival of Nils Koppen as the director of football, the Ibrox club are focused more on long-term investments and sell-on value, something Halliday insists Lundstram doesn’t have.
The Motherwell midfielder did share that Lundstram has earned a new deal, but given his high wages and age, it was suggested that the decision might not be the best.
Halliday was speaking live on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard [26 February] as he shared: “I don’t think it changes whether he gets a contract or not, I think it could change the terms of the contract.
“I’m only speculating, but I would think he would be in the top five highest earners within the club. Philippe Clement and Rangers are talking about these sellable assets within the club, and I think John Lundstram is probably in that bracket where he is no longer going to be a saleable asset.
“If he signs a two-three year contract at Rangers then he is bridging into 32-33 and will be past the years where they are going to sell him for millions of pounds. I think one thing must be said, he has shown this year that he is more than deserving of a new contract.”
John Lundstram has earned a new contract at Rangers
After reports broke that Lundstram was closing in on a new deal to keep him at Ibrox, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the current season, the decision has been met with high praise given his performances under Philippe Clement.
His availability and consistency in the midst of an injury-ridden season under Clement have made him one of the most important players in the squad, and it was imperative that the club tied him down to a new deal.
Halliday’s questioning of the decision is fair given the new recruitment focus brought by Koppen, but exceptions need to be made when you’re dealing with players who can perform like Lundstram has.
After all, building a new-look, younger squad at Ibrox will have benefits and drawbacks, but keeping experienced players like the midfielder around will only aid in their ambition to progress and develop, as well as improve the club.
In other Rangers news, a permanent transfer for one player is now on the cards.
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