Alexander Smith contract update at Rangers as Philippe Clement priority drops at Ibrox
Alexander Smith is close to agreeing a first professional contract with Rangers despite strong interest from elsewhere, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian journalist reported via Twitter on 28 May that the youngster is set to receive a three-year deal after the Light Blues “fought off strong interest” from the English Premier League and MLS.
It is said to have been a “top priority” for the Ibrox board and for manager Philippe Clement to keep Smith in Glasgow.
The 15-year-old attacking midfielder is eligible for both Scotland and the USA national teams.
Rangers set to triumph in battle for youngster’s future
There has been more than enough disappointment at the club in recent weeks so this news is a welcome boost for Clement.
Failure to take advantage of an opportunity to win a first Scottish Premiership title in three years and another defeat to Celtic late in the Scottish Cup final has underlined the work that the Belgian manager has to do.
And with a second squad overhaul now under way inside a year, with the accompanying questions over whether enough of a budget will be available to get all the necessary work done, it clearer than ever how important it is to bring through homegrown talent.
At 15 Smith is clearly some way off troubling the senior side at Rangers but if he has demonstrated enough quality at this age to have sparked a fight over his immediate future it is understandable why the club didn’t want to lose him.
If the Light Blues do now tie him to a professional contract it should, at the very least, mean that they would be compensated more substantially from a financial perspective if he is to ultimately depart in the future.
Looking too far ahead at Ibrox has been increasingly difficult in recent years as a cycle of hiring and firing has been allowed to develop, but if Clement is to remain for the long-term he clearly has his eye on Smith so the young wonder’s development shouldn’t go unnoticed if everything goes to plan.
In other Rangers news, a “major concern” has been admitted that may be unavoidable if the club are to strengthen this summer.
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