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The last dance – Hampden farewell for Rangers players set to leave

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Today’s Scottish Cup Final will be the last Rangers appearance for some players, both those in action on the pitch as well as others not involved.

It is certain that there will be a turnover in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad over the Summer with smart player trading essential and a need for business to be done early ahead of the Champions League qualifiers in early August.

‘The Last Dance’ in reference to Michael Jordan’s feature show on his last year with the Chicago Bulls, was also the term used by the Rangers team in the push for the league title last season. The 55th title was duly secured in style, but as it turned out it was not their final action and the music continued.

Now, following another season, the unsuccessful title retention bid and a heroic run to the Europa League Final, the last hurdle is the Scottish Cup Final against Hearts which will also represent the end of the road for some.

There are several contenders for an Ibrox exit for different reasons, with some the right time to cash-in is approaching whilst for others, the management will be wanting to replace them:

– Allan McGregor. The veteran goalkeeper has likely played his last game for the club with Gio stating that Jon McLaughlin will play at Hampden, as he has done all through this Scottish Cup campaign. His reactions and body language post match in Seville suggested that the curtain is coming down.

– Borna Barisic. This one appears in the balance. Now 29, the Croatian is approaching his last big contract opportunity. He has two years remaining at Ibrox but could both parties decide a parting of the ways is for the best?

– Connor Goldson. The Wolverhampton native will play his last game for the club against Hearts. What a signing he has been, providing tremendous value for money. It is unfortunate that he will leave on a free but that is football. Interesting to see where his next move will be.

– Joe Aribo. A talisman, maverick, supremely talented but is he consistent enough? There is doubt on that one. The Nigerian international secured his place in Rangers folklore, netting the first goal in a European final for the club since 1972. He is more than good enough to play in the Premier League. His situation will be a very interesting one to watch.

– Glen Kamara. This writer has a strong feeling that Kamara will be keen to move on and there will be no shortage of interested parties. The midfielder has proved his worth in Europe as well as on the international stage, holding his own at Euro 2020 in last Summer’s rearranged tournament. After that ‘steal’ from Dundee in January 2019, a huge, massive return is guaranteed regardless of what the transfer fee would be.

– Ryan Kent. Very similar to Aribo’s situation, Kent is one of Rangers best players, especially on the big occasion but more goals should be expected for a player of his ability and prominence. Cashing in now could be the best option for the club, especially with Kent now finishing his fourth season at the club. Manager and fans are in no hurry to see him leave, but Leeds and others remain interested.

Numbers  

In terms of the players above, that is just those who started in Seville midweek. Other prominent players such as Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun are also far from certain to be at Ibrox next year with certain squad players also moving on, including loan players.

The Europa League run has brought in enough funds to guarantee a budget for GvB, in addition to what was generated with the departures of Steven Gerrard and Nathan Patterson as well as the remaining potential for Champions League access. An interesting, intriguing Summer awaits.

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