Rangers manager Philippe Clement recently addressed the importance of preventing players from running down their contracts and leaving the club for free. With five players’ contracts set to expire at the end of the season, Clement emphasized the need to act early, rather than waiting until the summer transfer window, to avoid losing valuable assets without any compensation.
This situation highlights the club’s proactive approach in managing contract renewals and transfers, as they aim to strengthen the squad for future challenges. Clement’s comments underline the urgency in resolving contract situations, especially for key players who are integral to the team’s performance.
Philippe Clement criticized the practice of allowing players to run down their contracts, describing it as a poor business model for Rangers. With five key players—Ryan Jack, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, and Jon McLaughlin—set to leave the club without any transfer fee, Clement pointed out the financial impact of these departures. This mirrors a similar situation the previous year, when Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield, and Filip Helander also left for free.
These consecutive losses highlight the club’s failure to secure any compensation for players who were important contributors, emphasizing the need for a more strategic approach to contract management moving forward
Leon Balogun, who will turn 37 in the summer of 2025, is in a similar situation to Tom Lawrence, with his contract expiring around that time. Despite being a fan favorite at Rangers, it wouldn’t be surprising if Balogun, who has had two stints at the club, decided to leave for a second time due to his age and potential for a reduced role.
Tom Lawrence’s situation is less clear-cut. While he has been a regular starter for much of the current season, he found himself under scrutiny during a period when the team’s performances were disappointing. His future at the club will likely depend on how he continues to perform and how the management views his role within the squad moving forward.
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