Now that the transfer window is shut, as well as identifying possible targets in January for pre-contract deals, Ross Wilson has to look at who, in Steven Gerrard’s squad, needs to be tied down to extensions.
The obvious ones are the likes of Connor Goldson and Jon McLaughlin to prevent them from moving elsewhere for nothing, plus, they are key members of the first-team squad.
Steven Davis and Allan McGregor don’t quit fall into this category because the decision will ultimately be down to them whether or not they want to continue playing.
Then there are players with two years left to run on their Rangers contracts, a passing concern but not yet a desperate situation, it’s more the fact that this group includes Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Glen Kamara, Joe Aribo and Filip Helander – not just good players, but some of the first names on the team-sheet.
The two anomalies are Scott Arfield and Brandon Barker, who’s futures are a little more cloudy.
Barker has barely featured in any squads this season, even when we were badly affected by injuries, suspensions and Covid-19 issues, it’s safe to say that he is surplus to requirements, it’s a surprise nobody picked him up on loan.
Arfield though is a more complex issue. He usually plays in a central three with a license to attack but we now have Juninho Bacuna, Joe Aribo and Ianis Hagi to play that role, he will also be 33 this year.
Age isn’t normally a factor, specially when you consider the impact and importance of Davis in the team but Arfield has a different job to do and as he gets older, he just won’t be capable of making the same runs behind opposition defences – he is also more injury prone than the Northern Ireland skipper despite being a few years younger.
He is a positive figure in the squad as one of the senior players and is also a good option off the bench, I’m just not sure this status is fitting of a player who will be one of the highest paid – if he’s willing to accept a reduced contract on a year to year basis then maybe it should be considered, if not, we thank him for his service and, probably, shed a tear or two.