Rangers player set to turn down contract and quit Ibrox for good
Rangers are reportedly at risk of losing out on a talented youngster to Premier League side Newcastle.
The St James’ Park outfit appear to be on course to qualify for the Champions League and have already won a major trophy this season.
Gers are braced for a big summer, not just in terms of the transfer window, but also because new owners are set to take over.
Oliver Goodbrand to reject professional Rangers contract
According to the Record, Newcastle appear set to sign Oliver Goodbrand in the summer transfer window.
The 16-year-old can sign professional terms with the Ibrox outfit this season, but he looks set to quit.
It’s understood that he has been offered a professional deal by Gers, who appear to be losing the battle to keep him at Ibrox.
The teenage left-back is understood to be a highly-rated prospect who even made his B Team debut at the age of 15.
Gers will be entitled to training compensation even though the Scotsman is leaving on a free transfer – something Newcastle are willing to pay.
Premier League moves are hard to resist at that age
Asking players to stay instead of moving to a Premier League side is always going to be tough, so Rangers must address the financial gap.
Premier League clubs can offer lucrative contracts, but Rangers can counter by securing young talents on professional terms as early as possible, ideally at 16, with competitive wages and performance-based bonuses.
While training compensation provides some financial relief when players leave, it’s a reactive measure, and arriving sporting director Kevin Thelwell needs to ensure a more structured process is put in place.
| Club | Role | Appointed | Until |
| Everton | Director of football | February 2022 | End of 2024-25 season |
| New York Red Bulls | Director of football | February 2020 | February 2022 |
| Wolves | Sporting director | August 2016 | February 2020 |
Proactively, Gers could explore loyalty incentives, such as clauses that reward players for staying until a certain age or making a set number of first-team appearances.
The Ibrox outfit could also maximise their European platform to showcase their talents.
Regular participation in competitions like the UEFA Champions League or Europa League offers young players high-profile exposure that smaller Premier League clubs often cannot match and this needs to be in the long-term planning of the new owners.