Philippe Clement relationship with Rangers board a concern after John Lundstram exit news
Derek Ferguson admits Philippe Clement’s relationship with the Rangers board is a “concern” if John Lundstram is now set to leave the club.
The Belgian has made indicated on multiple occasions that he wants the Englishman to stay at Ibrox during contract talks over recent months, but it appears he is due to lose one of his favourites amid reports of a deal for the 30-year-old to leave for Trabzonspor.
Former Gers midfielder Ferguson feels the move to leave the club is a downward one, and while he hopes Clement has his relationship with the board in good working order accepts is a “difficult” situation all round if Lundstram is now to go.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “Of course, it’s always a concern. That relationship between the manager and the board is so important and if he’s made it clear that he definitely wants John to be part of his plans for next season then they’ve got to cough up the money.
“And Lundstram, he ain’t cheap, we know that. We know he’s in good wages, so that’s the situation. It’s down to John as well, does he want to take a drop?
“The one thing is, from a football sense, if he leaves Rangers there’s only one way you’re going, in my opinion, and that’s downwards.
“You’re not going to have European football, maybe, you’re not going to be playing in front of 50,000 fanatical fans, so it’s a difficult one for everybody concerned.
“But Philippe Clement, he’s a clever cookie, so I’m sure he’s got that relationship nailed with the board.”
Only way is down for John Lundstram after Rangers exit?
If Lundstram joins Borna Barisic in Turkey then it would suggest Clement and the club don’t see eye to eye over the value of players.
The former Sheffield United man has started nearly every game since the manager arrived at Ibrox but months of talks haven’t led to an extension being agreed.
An alarming dip in form in recent weeks surely made that even less likely, and Clement is sure to face questions over how much weight his voice carries after making his view so clear publicly and apparently not getting his way.
In other Rangers news, a Premier League giant has approached a key man behind the scenes at Ibrox who may also be on his way out.
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