Rangers, a resurgent force under Steven Gerrard, are gearing up for the upcoming campaign to draw an end to Celtic’s domestic domination. The Gers have sealed six summer signings already and are closing in on their seventh in the form of Joe Aribo despite best efforts from Lee Bowyer to keep him at Charlton beyond this window.
However, a few names are on their way out as well, and the gaffer has stunned veteran Graham Dorrans by leaving him behind in Glasgow prior to flying for the Algarve for their pre-season trip. The 32-year-old midfield ace had a couple of injury-riddled years since plying his trade to Glasgow under then boss Pedro Caaxinha. Despite returning to full fitness recently, the Scotsman is now surplus to requirements at Ibrox, according to the Daily Record.
Dorrans, meanwhile, is not the only player who is facing the axe. Kyle Lafferty, Eros Grezda and Jason Holt could also potentially depart as the Bears have already bolstered themselves high up the pitch as well as in the middle of the park.
The former Livingston ace has already slipped down the pecking order behind Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara, Ross McCrorie, Andy Halliday and Steven Davis. The potential arrival of Joe Aribo has now jeopardised his Ibrox future furthermore while Holt, a forgotten man having spent the last campaign on loan at Fleetwood Town, should also be offloaded soon.
Lafferty, on the other hand, made an emotional return to Rangers last summer from Hearts after prolonged negotiations but failed to impress while spearheading the attack. Alfredo Morelos and Jermain Defoe were more productive upfront and the Northern Irishman, therefore, is no longer needed at the club for the forthcoming future.
Grezda, the Albanian winger, completed a £2m switch from Osijek but had a disastrous spell having struggled to adjust to the physicality and aggressiveness of Scottish football. The growing uncertainty over Ryan Kent has not perturbed Gerrard as he is willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old outcast.
The inclusion of Jake Hastie, Sheyi Ojo, Greg Stewart and Jordan Jones highlights the gaffer’s keenness on wing-play and the return of Jamie Murphy would strengthen the Light Blues furthermore down the wide areas. It is to be seen now how much the Gers recoup from the sale of their exiled stars. But the business done so far deserves acknowledgement as they are good to go with the current squad unless forced to let their key assets depart later this window. Gerrard has probably taken the right call here.
