Rangers Announce Departure of Five Players, Leon Balogun Signs New Deal
Following the expiry of their contracts, Rangers have announced that John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe, and Jon McLaughlin will be leaving the club. Manager Philippe Clement has emphasized the need for a rebuild at Ibrox after falling short to rivals Celtic in the league and Scottish Cup, despite winning the League Cup. The departure of these players marks the end of an era, as they have a combined 23 seasons at the club and have achieved success with Rangers in recent years.
Lundstram, 30, has been a consistent presence for Rangers this season, making 52 appearances and scoring two goals. Manager Clement expressed confidence in Lundstram’s contract renewal in late March. However, it seems that the midfielder’s future lies elsewhere.
Croatian left-back Barisic, 31, had a season marred by injuries, limiting him to only 15 Premiership starts. Despite his limited playing time, Barisic has been a key contributor to Rangers’ success in recent years.
Injuries have also plagued Roofe, 31, and Jack, 32, in the past season. However, Jack’s performances were impressive enough to earn him a spot in the Scotland squad for Euro 2024. Jack even scored in the 2022 Scottish Cup final win over Hearts, showcasing his importance to the team.
McLaughlin, 36, who has represented Scotland at the international level, last played for Rangers on February 4, 2023. Although he hasn’t been a regular starter for the club, his experience and contributions have been valuable.
While the departure of these players marks the end of their time at Rangers, the club has secured the services of defender Leon Balogun for another season. Balogun, 35, expressed his happiness and privilege to extend his contract with Rangers. He has been impressed with the club and wishes he could have joined earlier in his career.
The departure of these five players presents an opportunity for Rangers to rebuild their squad and strive for success in the upcoming season. Manager Clement will need to identify suitable replacements and ensure a smooth transition for the team. It will be interesting to see how Rangers address their needs and strengthen their squad during the summer transfer window.
Overall, the departing players have made significant contributions to Rangers’ recent successes, and their departure marks the end of an era at Ibrox. The club acknowledges their commitment and dedication, wishing them all the best for their future careers. As Rangers look to rebuild, fans will eagerly await the new signings and the team’s progress in the upcoming season.