It wasn’t the first time Michael Beale was nudged regarding updates or upcoming developments on prominent contract situations but this time he provided a clear intention regarding Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Malik Tillman.
The Rangers manager was very direct regarding on his desire to have the trio to call upon next season but he rightly also pointed out that the matter is out of his hands to an extent with player plans and executive power holding greater sway.
From a football perspective, they are assets that Beale is enjoying working with and it is showing just now. They are clearly benefiting from the current coaching setup and so is the team, overall. That is reflected in the points tally which continues to increase under the leadership of the former Ibrox assistant.
When asked about news on the situation, Beale was as ‘matter of fact’ as he could be without divulging specific details:
“I do. There’s a couple of things here. The players having their ideas and the club having theirs. I’m navigating through both. Everyone knows my relationship with Ryan and Alfredo is very strong. They have been here a long time and if they chose not to be here, that would be on them.
“I would like both to remain but that has to fit into their plans and the club’s plans as well. Those conversations are still to be had and are ongoing.”
“Malik’s a no brainer for me. I would like him to be here for a number of years. He’s an excellent young player and enjoying his football. That’s for the people above me to organise.”
Smart
The manager is clearly doing his bit. He has the players onside, getting plenty out of them and if the result of that is more attention from the outside, then so be it. That only happens if Rangers are impressing, winning and being successful, to an extent.
Beale’s subtle words also throw the gauntlet to the players concerned as well as the board. If their expectations are too great in the cases of Kent and Morelos, then the gap between both parties may also prove to be too much. That remains to be seen, just as the Tillman deal, seemingly already agreed, needs to be thrashed out with Bayern Munich even if it requires a substantial outlay. It is a unique deal and one that the Bavarians have protected themselves with.
All three would be very difficult to replace in two windows, never mid one. Rangers will be keen to retain at least two of the three players featured above but if Beale gets his way it will be a matter of keep, keep, keep.