Rangers have the potential to make significant savings in the transfer market thanks to a standout youth talent…
Glasgow Rangers find themselves in contention for three trophies as they secure a spot in the Scottish Cup final for the 2023/24 season. However, their path to glory is obstructed by their arch-rivals, setting the stage for an intense showdown as both teams vie for the Premiership title.
Following a notable improvement in their performance at Hampden, contrasting with two consecutive lackluster outings, manager Philippe Clement recognizes the imperative of winning their remaining five league matches to bolster their chances of clinching the top-flight championship.
As the season draws to a close, Clement shifts his focus towards squad planning, deliberating on which players to retain and who to offload. Among those with expiring contracts are Ryan Jack, Leon Balogun, Jon McLaughlin, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic, and John Lundstram. While most players’ futures appear to be resolved, Lundstram’s situation remains uncertain, despite outside interest, as the possibility of him signing an extended contract looms.
The most recent update regarding John Lundstram’s future.
As his time at Rangers draws to a close, former Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram faces uncertainty regarding his future at Ibrox next season. Initially linked with a move to Turkey’s Trabzonspor, negotiations seem to have stalled due to Lundstram’s reported wage demands of £2 million per year, as per the Daily Record.
Now, interest from England has emerged, with Ipswich Town reportedly leading the pursuit for Lundstram’s signature, according to Turkish outlet Gunebakis. Ipswich finds themselves in contention for promotion to the Premier League alongside Leicester City and Leeds United, making a potential return to the top flight after nearly two decades a tantalizing prospect.
Should Ipswich secure promotion, it could entice Lundstram to return to England for another shot at top-flight football. Moreover, offloading Lundstram’s £22,000-per-week wages could provide manager Philippe Clement with financial flexibility to recruit younger talents who offer long-term potential and potential profit down the line.
John Lundstram’s performance metrics for the current season.
While initially appearing to establish himself as a pivotal player under Clement, it soon became evident that this was merely a temporary period of strong form. Lundstram has featured in all but one match since the Belgian’s appointment in mid-October, largely due to injuries, maintaining his position in the starting lineup throughout.
However, recent performances in the previous two league matches against Ross County and Dundee have been subpar. Despite his overall contribution this season, with four assists and an average of 3.8 duels won per game, 1.7 tackles per game, and 64.9 accurate passes per game according to Sofascore, Lundstram’s recent displays have raised concerns.
In these matches, he surrendered possession 12 times in each game and failed to track the opposition’s left back in the defeat to Ross County, resulting in a crucial goal against Rangers. While Lundstram ranks favorably in certain areas among his teammates, such as accurate passes and tackles, his occasional lack of dynamism from midfield has proven costly for the team.
Should Clement opt to part ways with Lundstram, the need for a costly replacement may not be necessary, especially considering the potential emergence of young talent within the squad for the upcoming season.
The emerging talent poised to fill Lundstram’s role at Ibrox.
Despite predominantly featuring as a centre-back for the club, Leon King could emerge as a potential option as a defensive midfielder under Clement’s management moving forward.
During his breakthrough season last year, King showcased impressive statistics, including an 88% pass success rate and winning 1.7 ground duels per game with a success rate of 67%. Additionally, he averaged 1.3 tackles per match and was only dribbled past 0.3 times per outing, highlighting his prowess in one-on-one battles and ability to initiate attacks from the heart of defense.
These attributes make him a strong candidate for the defensive midfield role, a position he has already been deployed in during international duty with Scotland U21s, where he contributed to victories against Hungary, Belgium, and Malta, while also facing a narrow defeat to Spain.
Former Rangers defender Alan Hutton praised King’s abilities, likening him to a “big Rolls Royce” on the ball and highlighting his composure despite his young age.
The transfer activity during the summer will play a crucial role in determining King’s opportunities next season, with several players expected to depart and new arrivals anticipated. However, King should be given a chance to showcase his talents in midfield, with Clement likely to monitor his progress closely both at club and international level.
Developing young talents like King could prove beneficial for Rangers in the long term, potentially leading the team into a new era of success.