Pranav Shahaney

Sat 12 April 2025 16:40, UK

Rangers are expected to undergo a rebuild this summer under the ownership of the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL giants will also make the decision on who the next permanent manager of the Ibrox outfit will be.

Barry Ferguson is currently managing the first team but his remit is only until the end of the season.

Dujon Sterling may have played his last game for Rangers

Dujon Sterling’s recurring injuries suggest Gers should move him on this summer despite his contract running until 2027.

The primary reason is his persistent unavailability, exemplified by a recent long-term Achilles injury sustained in a Europa League match against Athletic Club.

Sterling’s injury record – spanning calf issues, knocks, and now a major setback – limits him to missing nearly half of the games per season, a luxury Rangers cannot afford in a squad needing reliability to compete domestically and in Europe.

While the 25-year-old’s versatility, pace, and power make him a valuable asset when fit, his inability to string together consistent appearances hampers team cohesion and burdens the wage bill.

Given his minimal output after 70 appearances, it may be plausible that he does not have a long-term future there.

49ers will likely target younger and fitter players

Extending his contract to 2027 was a gamble that now looks questionable, as his market value and sellability diminish with each injury.

Keeping injury-prone players risks repeating past mistakes, draining resources that could be invested in dependable talent.

With younger, fitter options and emerging prospects, offloading Sterling could free up funds and squad space for a more robust rebuild, aligning with Rangers’ ambitions to challenge Celtic and succeed in Europe.

The 49ers will move towards signing younger and fitter players once they take over so his future is undoubtedly in huge jeopardy.