Rangers: Ben Davies exit ‘definitely’ on the cards as Philippe Clement ‘doesn’t rate him’
Philippe Clement doesn’t “rate” Ben Davies and will look to move him on from Rangers in the summer, in the view of Chris Jack.
The Rangers Review journalist said on the outlet’s morning briefing on 17 April, in response to a question on whether the defender might be an option to replace Borna Barisic for the key trip to Dundee the same night, that he hasn’t featured for a long time and it’s hard to see how he has a future at Ibrox.
Ridvan Yilmaz’s continued unavailability has made left-back an issue as the Light Blues have faltered in the title race ahead of their third attempt to play at Dens Park.
Jack said of ex-Liverpool centre-back Davies (15m 45s): “It’s been a long time since he’s been on the pitch and [he’s] just become one of the forgotten guys. I think it’s safe to say the manager doesn’t see a place for him, doesn’t rate him.
“There was a lot of talk in the January window about Davies potentially moving on. It’s looking like he’s definitely one the manager will look to shift in the summer.
“If he’s not even going to get in the matchday squad at present it’s hard to see how he’s got a long-term future.”
Ex-Liverpool defender set for Rangers departure
Davies’ involvement this season tells its own story, as he has only made 12 total appearances in all competitions after having featured 38 times last term.
He hasn’t been seen in a Rangers shirt since the 3-2 win at Betis back on 14 December, and the fact that he hasn’t had a sniff despite Connor Goldson’s form being short of his best suggests an exit is inevitable.
How easy that will be however is a different matter, since it was reported that his lack of interest in a January move blocked the chance to do a deal for John Souttar’s brother Harry.
Despite Barisic’s issues it seems unlikely that Davies will suddenly slot in for the first time in nearly four months when Clement simply cannot afford any more dropped points in the title race when his side faces Dundee.
Dujon Sterling seems the likeliest candidate after the former Chelsea man started the Old Firm derby draw with Celtic there, and came on for Barisic in the shock weekend defeat at Ross County, even if many might prefer him in midfield.
If Davies does get a look in again before the end of the season it would surely be in Goldson’s place, but Leon Balogun is bound to be the next man up if there is a switch once he is recovered from the illness he has had at the most inopportune time.
In other Rangers news, a pundit claims another high-wage player who isn’t living up to his reputation will certainly leave the club.
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