Barry Ferguson has suggested that it could well be of mutual interest for Rangers to part ways with Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos at the end of the season.
At this stage, there is no deadline as such for the pair’s immediate futures to be decided but following the League Cup disappointment, further comment has followed.
Ferguson made the point, rightly, that games like Sunday are those which Rangers players are judged on and collectively they didn’t seize the opportunity. This is also a point that was not lost on Michael Beale.
The manager recently spoke in a diplomatic way to the effect that he is happy with the contribution of both players and that dialogue would continue as the weeks progress. There is plenty for both sides to consider in what is shaping up to be a massive Summer of transfer business at Ibrox.
The treble winning captain has considered more recent arrivals on Edmiston Drive, making the point that perhaps it is now the time for the emphasis to shift.
Ferguson told Tuesday’s Go Radio Football Show:
“I was just thinking watching it back last night for a second time, maybe just strip it back and start afresh. Maybe that’s what it’s needing.”
“Obviously with Raskin and Cantwell coming in, maybe signing Tillman and you’ve got other players that are signed on for another two or three years, and then there’s the big two that everyone’s spoken about, probably for the last 18 months – Kent and Morelos.”
“I like both of them, I do. I rate both of them as players but sometimes you just need to go your different ways and start again, and that’s the big decision Michael Beale will have to make in the summer – not even in the summer. Now. This is when you start having to look forward to next season.”
Value
Can Rangers do better than what Kent and Morelos are contributing? Especially given the significant outlays that would be required for new terms. More than likely.
It has to be said that the case for the former Liverpool youth is stronger but this one is likely to come down to the players and what they want to do, next. With Kent, there is significant talent and capability but we don’t see it often enough and especially not in big games.
Rangers need a new, all action talisman up front and quite simply, a better finisher. If Fashion Sakala’s pace and enthusiasm could be merged with Kemar Roofe’s game intelligence and combined with Morelos’ physical impact, it would be just wonderful but back in the real world it is clear that more is needed from Rangers number one striker in terms of fitness and form which should not be lost on Beale.
Ferguson’s call has merit but ultimately this saga has a while to run yet until the outcome is known.