As his team attempts to catch up to Celtic and win their first Scottish Premiership since 2021, Phillipe Clement has made it clear that one of his Rangers players is no longer in his plans.
News about Rangers transfers
Rangers, under the guidance of Philippe Clement, have made significant reinforcements in their bid to challenge their city rivals and compete for silverware. Among these acquisitions are Mohamed Diomande from FC Nordsjaelland and Oscar Cortes from RC Lens, both arriving to bolster the midfield and attacking options, respectively.
However, the most notable signing has been Fabio Silva from Wolves, a move that signifies a major coup for the Ibrox club. At just 21 years old, Silva arrives with high expectations, aiming to rediscover the form that prompted his record-breaking transfer from Porto in 2020. With two goals already for the Rangers, Silva has the potential to play a crucial role in their pursuit of the league title.
However, as the Rangers’ faithful celebrate their new signings, Clement has already looked to the summer and made the future of one man certain.
McLaughlin is about to depart Rangers
Jon McLaughlin joined Rangers in 2020 with a wealth of experience, having accumulated over 400 appearances, including a successful stint as the first-choice goalkeeper for Sunderland in League One. Despite arriving with high expectations, McLaughlin has struggled to secure consistent playing time under manager Philippe Clement.
After failing to make any appearances this season, sources have indicated that the 36-year-old will not be offered a new contract when his current deal expires in May, effectively marking the end of his time at Ibrox. Despite initially being brought in to compete for the number one goalkeeper position, McLaughlin has found himself on the sidelines, making just 25 league appearances over his first three seasons with the club.
The arrival of Jack Butland in 2023 further pushed McLaughlin down the pecking order, with Robby McCrorie being promoted to second choice ahead of him. Clement has expressed his disappointment with the situation, particularly regarding the handling of expiring contracts, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the value of players before their contracts expire.
Jon McLaughlin’s reported annual salary of £317,200, as per Salary Sport, underscores the financial burden of keeping him on the books while he remains on the sidelines at Rangers. Philippe Clement’s frustration with the situation is understandable, especially considering the tight title race with their closest rivals and the upcoming stages of the cup, which offer limited opportunities for McLaughlin to contribute on the pitch.
As an esteemed veteran of the game and a capable backup goalkeeper for several years, McLaughlin has undoubtedly made valuable contributions to Rangers. However, given the financial implications of retaining him without regular playing time, some fans may lament the missed opportunity to offload him earlier and potentially recoup a transfer fee.