James Tavernier and the six other Rangers players set to leave Ibrox in 2026
Rangers underwent a huge squad rebuild in the summer transfer window, but still have some deadwood which needs clearing out.
Rangers signed 12 new players, including £8 million striker Youssef Chermiti, in the first window under the ownership of Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises.
Several players departed, including top scorer Cyriel Dessers, but a number of fringe players did not secure moves away, and Nedim Bajrami was left out of the Europa League squad as a result.
Next summer is bound to see more changes, and as things stand, seven players are in the final year of their contracts at Rangers, with decisions needed over their futures.
Rangers players out of contract in 2026
James Tavernier
James Tavernier is Rangers’ captain and longest-serving player, but while he has been a good servant for the club, he has faced a lot of criticism.
Tavernier was dropped for Max Aarons earlier on this season, but has since found himself back in the starting XI.
| Stat | Tavernier |
| Appearances | 524 |
| Goals | 133 |
| Assists | 142 |
A new contract and a reduced role could be ideal, but some Rangers fans may believe that a parting of ways could signal a fresh start for the club going forward.
John Souttar
John Souttar is Rangers’ most senior centre-back option, and has established himself as one of the better players in an underperforming team.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and must be offered a new deal, regardless of who else joins in the position.
Losing Souttar for free would be frustrating, and despite a tough start to the season, he would be difficult to replace.
Rabbi Matondo
A move failed to materialise for Rabbi Matondo, who has done very little in a Rangers shirt aside from one goal against Celtic.
Matondo is likely to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, unless there is a miraculous first-team revival for the 24-year-old.
Kieran Dowell
Dowell was left out of Rangers’ Europa League squad, and has been roundly booed at Ibrox after returning from a loan at Birmingham City.
Despite Russell Martin selecting him at the start of the season, it would be a major surprise if Dowell was offered a new contract to keep him beyond the end of the season.
Liam Kelly
Liam Kelly is the main backup to goalkeeper Jack Butland, but it remains to be seen what kind of role he will play.
If Rangers target a new goalkeeper next summer, Kelly could be released, but keeping him for extra depth could be a better move.
Bailey Rice
Bailey Rice has already made 16 first-team appearances as an 18-year-old, but regular opportunities may not come this season.
The youngster is out of contract at the end of the season, and it remains to be seen whether Rangers believe Rice’s future potential.
Kieran Wright
26-year-old goalkeeper Kieran Wright is yet to make a senior appearance for Rangers, having come through the academy and embarked on several loan spells away.
It appears likely that this year will be his last at Rangers, and he could depart at the end of his deal without a single appearance to his name.
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