Tom Lawrence makes Rangers point to Philippe Clement after what he did
Rangers forward Tom Lawrence’s goal and overall showing against Ajax could mean an expected exit from Ibrox is not so straight-forward.
Just six minutes after the Gers had gone 1-0 down to Ajax in their third pre-season friendly, Lawrence stepped up to fire home a sensational strike through the Dutch side’s wall and into the back of the net.
Starting the match despite increasing reports suggesting the 30-year-old wants to quit the club for a move abroad, Lawrence’s performance showed he’s still got plenty to give in the light blue jersey yet.
Lawrence was reportedly pushing for a reunion with former boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst at Besiktas, and if he does depart this summer, that free-kick would be a sweet note to end his Ibrox career on [Fanatik, 12 June].
Tom Lawrence goal could be definitive in Rangers future
With several clubs both in England and further afield reportedly interested in Lawrence, it still remains to be seen if the 30-year-old will be a Gers player come the end of the transfer window [Scottish Daily Mail, 10 June].
Part of that also comes down Clement’s own efforts to refresh the squad this summer, having already jettisoned five players aged 30 or above and only offering one veteran, Leon Balogun, a new contract [Fraser Wilson, 3 June].
Lawrence has a pretty disappointing goalscoring output for an attacking midfielder during his two years in Glasgow, albeit the first was ended by a serious knee injury early into his Gers tenure.
The Welshman has managed just six goals in all competitions, including just four in the Scottish Premiership, and has failed to impress pundits or fans alike since his return to fitness.
However, Clement picking him to start in the Gers’ latest pre-season friendly does imply Lawrence has an opportunity to impress the Belgian, and thus the waiting game over his future looks set to drag on.
In other Rangers news, alarm bells are beginning to ring amidst “major” issues from top to bottom at Ibrox this summer.
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