With Steven Gerrard seemingly already looking ahead to next season, a report from The Daily Mail has revealed as many as six first-team players could depart Ibrox this summer.
According to the report, Glen Kamara, Borna Barisic and Alfredo Morelos could all be sold for a profit, while Jordan Jones, Brandon Barker and Jon Flanagan could all be shifted on as well.
Gerrard’s fighting talk ahead of this week’s clash with Hamilton should certainly instil some fear into those in his squad who are underperforming, as the boss said he needs to know ‘who is on board’ after the club crashed out of the FA Cup this weekend.
The Daily Mail claim that Flanagan, Barker and Jones are three such players who could be moved on due to their lack of impact this campaign, but they also report that three far more crucial figures may depart as well. Kamara signed for just £50,000, so the appeal of selling the Finland international for a huge profit is clear to see, while Morelos’ latest behavioural issue may well be the final straw to tempt Gerrard to cash in. Finally, Barisic is attracting interest from Roma, Napoli and AC Milan, while his agent expects the Croatia international to leave Ibrox this summer.
If truth be told, five of these six players would be no huge loss to the club. Barker has scored just once all season, Jones is yet to find the net, while Flanagan is simply not good enough for a side chasing trophies. Kamara started well but has since angered fans with his performances, while even Morelos could be replaced – the Colombia international is a star in the making, but if availability is the best ability, the 23 year-old is certainly lacking in that department, racking up countless red cards and controversies.
The one player Gerrard absolutely cannot afford to lose however is Barisic, who has been one of his biggest hits in the transfer market. The 27 year-old took a while to adjust to the burden of expectation in Glasgow, but has gone from strength to strength this season, racking up 14 assists and forging himself as cult hero by setting up both goals in the win over Celtic back in December. Losing the side’s best creative outlet and an international quality left-back at the same time would be a disaster, and would basically create two vacancies in the squad that would need filling in the transfer market.
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Rangers fans, how do you feel about these six players potentially leaving? Who should stay and who should go? Join the discussion in the comments below!
