Rangers FC defender, David Bates has reportedly rejected a contract extension despite having an impressive run of games in recent weeks. The 21-year-old’s contract is set to run out next summer and the Gers might have to start looking for replacements ahead of the next transfer window.
However, with Ross McCrorie and Aidan Wilson still in the squad, should they really be sweating over the potential loss of the young centre-back? Bates was one of the mellow figures in the U20 ranks and was always under the shadow of McCrorie and Wilson.
Bates arrived at Ibrox-stadium in August 2016 to develop his game further. After completing his loan spell, the Light Blues made his contract permanent and allowed him to make his debut in the Scottish Premiership match against Kilmarnock on 6 April 2017. Bates has so far appeared in 21 games for the Gers, 13 of those coming this season due to the injury to a lot of the first-team players.
While Graeme Murty does not shy away from experimenting with the squad from time to time, Bates has been one of the surprising gems who has carried his duties in exceptional fashion. However, the manager is quite flexible in his team selection and with the players that he has acquired over the past couple of windows, Bates’ exit will not be as dramatic as one would think.
It is unsure as to why the 21-year-old has rejected the extension but there is a high chance English and Scottish sides alike will be hot on his heels ahead of the following campaign. Interests had dropped in heavily from EFL Championship outfit, Sunderland previously and the Black Cats are eligible to obtain his services by paying a meagre compensation fee.
Bates will also be privy to a wage hike if he does make the switch to the Stadium Of Light but it all depends on whether Sunderland successfully manages to stay in the second division of English football.
The Rangers backline already boasts of Norwich City loanee, Russell Martins, Fabio Cardoso and Bruno Alves in the centre-back role along with McCrorie and Bates. If Russell Martins’ loan deal is not made permanent, Bates will have the opportunity to shine in the starting XI.
However, the Light Blues might not be too eager to meet all of the player’s demands since they already have replacements. On the top of that, James Tavernier and Josh Windass have been awarded long-term contracts which will take up a part of the wage bill along with fulfilling the promise of Alfredo Morelos’ contractual requests.
