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Manchester United could "go all out" to sign a defensive target and appear ready to rival Real Madrid for his signature this summer in a bid to bring him to the Premier League.

Man Utd centre-backs

Erik ten Hag's side may well be in need of a defensive overhaul this summer. Jonny Evans, only drafted in as an emergency option last summer, has become a far too familiar option in the heart of United's backline this season. He is out of contract this summer, while question marks surround all of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.

Man United's centre-back options

Player

Contract expires

Harry Maguire

2025

Raphael Varane

2024

Jonny Evans

2024

Lisandro Martinez

2027

Victor Lindelof

2025

Willy Kambwala

2025

With that in mind, United may need to spend big in the centre of defence to find cover for Lisandro Martinez, as well as potential replacements for their outgoing players.

Man Utd eye up £60m teenage star

Now it has been reported that Manchester United could rival Real Madrid for teenage star Leny Yoro as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new season, and are willing to offer as much as £60m to get a deal done this summer.

As per an update from Spain, the Red Devils, and by extension Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are in the race and aren't afraid to "go all out" to secure his signature before the new season, which could involve having to pay his massive €70m (£60m) asking price.

Related Man Utd eyeing double deals for "outstanding" ace and 6'5 "monster"

The Red Devils could take a shortcut in their rebuild.

Posts ByBen Browning

The 18-year-old defender burst onto the scene for Lille last season and has gone on to nail down his spot for the French side and has started every game when fit, attracting attention from across Europe in the process.

Yoro has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as "one of the most talented young centre-backs in world football" with "world-class potential", something that is sure to excite Manchester United fans.

Meanwhile, teammate Remy Cabella has compared the sensation to Arsenal defender William Saliba, who also excelled in France before making the move to England.

"At Marseille, I knew Boubacar Kamara, at Saint-Etienne, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, and now there's Leny Yoro," Cabella explained. "He has all the qualities and potential to do something huge. He's very humble, and that's another of his strengths."

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Real Madrid were thought to be leading the race for Yoro's signature, but recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos are not set to be drawn into a bidding war this summer, with the club already trying to sign Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies.

Yoro's contract expires next summer, meaning that Carlo Ancelotti's side may try to snap him up for free in 12 months should he still be available. United, however, could be trying to ensure that he won't be.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to appoint a new key man behind-the-scenes figure, according to an update from a reliable journalist.

Tottenham's board changes

Back in April, Fabio Paratici resigned from his position and was soon followed out of the exit door by Gretar Steinsson, who left his role as performance director two months later, so there has been plenty of change in the recruitment department, but arguably for the better.

The Lilywhites have started making some really exciting additions, most recently in the form of Johan Lange, who started his work as the club’s new technical director this week, but there is another off-field figure who is set to follow in his footsteps and make the move from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Football Insider days ago reported that Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou had entered advanced talks with the Midlands outfit’s head of recruitment, Rob Mackenzie, as they hope to create a reunion between him and Lange, and he has a great backlog of experience.

Since the start of his career, the 38-year-old has carried out senior roles at Leicester City, Derby County and OH Leuven, not to mention that he previously had a spell at Spurs as a scout (Transfermarkt – Mackenzie profile), and if the following update is to be believed, he’s now expected to return for a second time.

Spurs complete deal to recruit Rob Mackenzie

Taking to X, The Daily Telegraph's Matt Law confirmed that Tottenham have agreed a switch for Mackenzie, who will begin his new role within the next seven days.

"Rob Mackenzie has left Aston Villa and will join Tottenham as chief scout next week – linking back up with Johan Lange, who has made the same move. Mackenzie has worked at Tottenham before in the past."

Spurs’ excellent start to the new top-flight campaign, which has seen them win eight and draw two of their opening ten fixtures, highlights that they aren’t in desperate need of signing several fresh faces at the beginning of next year, but they are still being linked with candidates who they have their eye on ahead of January.

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is of interest to Postecoglou who is hoping to reunite with his former talisman, as well as Al-Ittihad’s Jota, as per the same outlet, with the winger having fallen out of favour since his big-money move to Saudi Arabia over the summer.

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During his first spell at the club, the incoming scout was responsible for helping identify the likes of Son Heung-Min and Kieran Trippier, with the former now being the captain and the latter going on to have a hugely successful career, so he’s shown the calibre of players that he’s capable of picking.

With Tottenham being very data driven when it comes to identifying targets, Mackenzie’s arrival should be a match made in heaven for both parties, and this looks to be the start of a very exciting new era for supporters.

West Ham United are still on the lookout for Declan Rice's midfield replacement, two weeks on from their captain departing for Arsenal in a British-record deal.

Who are West Ham signing to replace Declan Rice?

David Moyes' side have been linked with countless midfielders in the weeks before and since Rice's exit, namely Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Everton's Amadou Onana and Juventus' Denis Zakaria.

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is another name that refuses to go away, even if the England international is not strictly a like-for-like replacement for Rice in terms of their playing style.

According to The Guardian, West Ham are looking to bring in two midfielders with the windfall they received through Rice's sale, and have now stepped up their interest in Ward-Prowse.

How many free-kicks has James Ward-Prowse scored?

Southampton are said to value Ward-Prowse in the region of £40m, which is a large fee on the face of it considering the Saints were relegated to the Championship last season.

The 28-year-old boasts plenty of Premier League experience, however, having played 343 times at that level since making his Southampton debut in the competition on the opening day of the 2012/13 season.

Ward-Prowse has also played 11 times for England – though not since last year – and has scored a couple of goals in heavy wins over Andorra and San Marino in 2021.

With nine goals and four assists in a poor Southampton side last season, Ward-Prowse ranks in the top 13% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored, as per The Analyst.

The Portsmouth native is also in the top 15% for chances created, showing that he is more than capable of doing a job in the Premier League, even if he was captain of a relegated side last time out.

Three of those nine goals were scored via direct free-kicks – the most of any player in the Premier League last season. Indeed, only Manchester United legend David Beckham (18) has scored more than Ward-Prowse in the competition's history.

That ability to both score and pick out a team-mate from set-pieces would be a major asset for Moyes, and would also bring back memories of fan favourite – at the time, at least – Dimitri Payet.

Payet has scored 14 direct free-kicks in his career, as per Transfermarkt, six of those during his 18 months at West Ham.

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Indeed, after a run of netting via that method for club and country in 2016, Payet revealed he had stopped practising them on the training ground as there was no way to further improve his technique.

It is not too dissimilar in the case of Ward-Prowse, with former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl previously hailing the midfielder as a "quality" player whose set-piece prowess was – and is, for now – "such a good weapon" for the Saints.

That is not the only similarity between the two players, either. Taking Payet's only full season at West Ham in 2015/16 and potentially Ward-Prowse's final season with Southampton last time out into account, the pair each scored nine Premier League goals.

The only notable difference is in attitude, with Ward-Prowse very much a team player. While he may not be able to replace Rice on his own, the Englishman can at least bring a bit of the past back to the London Stadium should he arrive.

Manchester United are seemingly set to bolster their centre-forward ranks this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag likely to be craving a long-term solution in that role, following years of stop-gap signings such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo and – more recently – Wout Weghorst.

The acquisition of the latter man has only further showcased the need for a new, reliable goalscoring option to lead the attack, with the towering Dutchman having scored just twice for the club to date following his January arrival.

While the former Ajax boss has also suggested that United play their "best football" with current number nine, Anthony Martial on the field, the Frenchman is among those who could well be allowed to leave this summer, having been hampered by injury yet again this term.

Although the name on everybody's lips at present is that of England captain and Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane, recent reports in Spain have suggested that Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins could also be a possible target, with the 27-year-old having been on a real hot streak of late after bagging 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League games.

The former Brentford man has undoubtedly been in red-hot form since Unai Emery's arrival at Villa Park earlier in the campaign, with that glut of goals sparking suggestions that the Englishman could command a sizeable fee this summer, as journalist Pete O'Rourke told Football FanCast that the marksman's price tag could be around £70m.

Would Watkins be a good signing for Man United?

The hope would be that the in-form Watkins would be able to emulate the success of another striker to trade the Villans for Old Trafford in the form of Dwight Yorke, with the prolific ace having been snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson and co on a £12m deal in the summer of 1998.

Having proven himself more than capable of making the difference in the Premier League during his time in the Midlands – after bagging 80 goals in 255 games in all competitions for the club – the Trinidad and Tobago international was able to continue that golden touch at the Theatre of Dreams, having made an instant impact in his debut campaign at the club.

The now-retired ace would prove instrumental in United's remarkable treble success in that 1998/99 season, having bagged 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 52 games in all competitions, forming part of a mouthwatering centre-forward pool involving Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.

That stunning first season with the Red Devils helped to solidify Yorke's cult status at the club, with the enigmatic talent ultimately departing Manchester in 2002, after having scored 66 goals in 152 games across all fronts.

While Watkins may not be expected to help lead a charge towards a treble next term under Ten Hag, the 5 foot 11 speedster – who has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last three seasons – could well follow in Yorke's footsteps in making a smooth transition from Villa to United.

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The one-time Exeter City ace has also showcased his class at Old Trafford this season after netting in the League Cup clash back in November, having burst clear of Harry Maguire before expertly dinking the ball over the onrushing Martin Dubravka.

As analyst Michael Lahoud noted, the dynamic marksman simply left the United skipper "exposed" due to his ability to run in behind and stretch the defence, with such characteristics likely to be appealing to Ten Hag and co.

With the case of signing Yorke having been such an overwhelming success, it could prove another transfer masterclass with the addition of Watkins.

Liverpool are reportedly ‘no longer in the race’ to sign Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder Moises Caicedo.

The Lowdown: Liverpool interest

It was reported earlier this week that Liverpool are ‘exploring’ a deal to sign Caicedo, alongside fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano then gave an update on the Caicedo situation on Friday morning, saying that while Chelsea have had a £55m verbal proposal rejected by Brighton, Arsenal have submitted a £60m bid for the Ecuador international, which has since also been rejected.

This comes after reports that Brighton have splashed an £100m asking price over Caicedo’s head, so it looks like a very difficult deal to do in January.

The Latest: Liverpool pull out

Taking to Twitter, journalist Kevin Palmer says that the Anfield outfit are ‘no longer in the race’ for Caicedo, quoting the reported £100m asking price for him as ‘insane’:

“Liverpool are no longer in the race to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton amid claims the asking price is £100m. A decent player but that fee is insane.”

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The Verdict: Not at that price…

The Reds are right to walk away from a deal for Caicedo if they would have to pay £100m for him.

Granted, the 21-year-old is a great player in his own right, as no Seagulls player can match his average of 2.9 tackles per match in the Premier League so far this season, while he also ranks highly among his team-mates for for interceptions, key passes, long and through balls (WhoScored).

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However, paying £100m would be a huge gamble for Jurgen Klopp’s side, given that he would be their club-record signing by far and they already paid a large amount of money for Darwin Nunez in the summer (Transfermarkt).

Thus, they should focus on securing cheaper alternative targets, with recent reports linking them with a move for Sheffield United’s Sander Berge, who would be expected to be much less expensive given that he would be coming from the Championship.

Manchester Evening News journalist Alex Brotherton has reacted to VAR’s decision not to award a penalty during Manchester City’s clash against Brentford in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Honours even

The Sky Blues hosted the Bees at the Etihad Stadium but suffered a shock 2-1 defeat, with two first-half goals coming from Ivan Toney and Phil Foden, before Thomas Frank’s number 17 netted the winner in stoppage time as he doubled his tally for the day.

One of the most notable moments other than the goals was when Rico Henry stuck out an arm on the edge of the penalty area to try and prevent Bernardo Silva’s cross coming in from the byline, but despite a VAR check, no spot kick was given.

The Latest: Brotherton’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Brotherton was shocked by the decision and insisted that City should have been handed the chance to score from the 12-yards spot.

He fumed: “Peter Walton saying on BT Sport that there was no conclusive evidence that the handball took place inside the box – looked pretty clear to me that the ball was on the line. Should have been a penalty.”

The Verdict: No need to panic

With the incident taking right on the edge of the penalty box, it did seem difficult to conclusively deduce if it was in or outside the white line, but Brotherton’s stance is understandable when such a marginal call could easily have gone for the home side on a different occasion.

Whilst City would have wanted to secure victory against lower-placed opposition, there’s definitely no cause for concern when it comes to the Sky Blues’ form this season.

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The Manchester outfit have won 10, drawn two and lost just two of their opening 14 league games, leaving them two points behind current leaders Arsenal ahead of their trip to Molineux tonight.

The title race will rage on for some time given how tight it is at the top, and Guardiola will be given the perfect chance to regroup his team during the international break and get them ready for the return of domestic action after Christmas.

Tottenham Hotspur have an admiration for James Maddison but may have to wait to sign him…

What’s the word?

The English playmaker has been linked with a move to Spurs throughout the summer transfer window.

Journalist Dean Jones claimed that the north Londoners had “touched base” over potentially signing him and also suggested that the Leicester City star was keen to join them over Newcastle United.

But since then, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that talks were underway over a new deal, though that won’t stop the 25-year-old from leaving in the future, should the Lilywhites revisit their interest.

“I think that Maddison sees himself in the next year or two, playing regular European football,” claimed CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs to GIVEMESPORT.

“That might be Newcastle, so there’s an element of persuasion there of joining the project from the ground up and help us get there.

“But there’s a sort of vague admiration from Spurs. They’ve not done anything with it, but I think it’s that type of club, if they come in for Maddison in a future window that may make him wait.”

Future Erisken heir

Spurs have long lacked someone in the no.10 mould that is capable of not only providing goals and assists from midfield but also has an immense ability on set-pieces.

Indeed, since the departure of Christian Eriksen to Inter Milan back in January 2020, no one has really stepped up to fill his void.

Over his seven seasons in north London, the £11m Dane provided Spurs with 69 goals and 90 assists across 305 appearances, averaging one direct contribution every 151 minutes, via Transfermarkt.

Dele Alli has since departed as his career hits the rocks, Tanguy Ndombele (one G/A every 272 minutes) has also moved on having joined Napoli on loan and Giovani Lo Celso (one G/A every 326 minutes) has left too.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-paratici-conte-levy-gossip-more” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and so much more!”]

The trio really couldn’t fill the gap left behind by the 30-year-old, who Josh Wright dubbed a “wizard.”

But Maddison could well be that man, even if Tottenham have to wait until next summer.

The England international was impressive last campaign as he provided 18 goals and 12 assists across 53 appearances in all competitions – a rate of one contribution every 120 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

Those returns are instantly better than the aforementioned Spurs failures and not just that, his ability on free-kicks has been likened to one of the best to ever do it in David Beckham.

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It’s why he has also been lauded as a “genius” and as a “special talent” in recent times.

At one stage this summer, it was believed that Maddison was available for £50m but if his form continues into this campaign, which looks to be the case after two goals and one assist in their opening three games, then the Liltwhites may have to pay up even more to seal his signature in the future.

Whether it be this week, in the winter, next summer or even beyond, the north Londoners must continue to keep tabs on the £110k-per-week maestro as he could well be the long-term Eriksen heir that they’ve been desperate for all this time.

Paratici shouldn’t give up on Maddison, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Paratici could seal “stunning” 8th signing as Spurs eye £17m “cannon” perfect for Conte…

Liverpool have fallen from their throne at the top of the Premier League. While Arne Slot’s side have enjoyed something of a revival in recent weeks after such a shocking decline over the autumn months, they are a far cry of their 2024/25 selves.

Three successive wins have been claimed, and Liverpool are undefeated in six matches across all competitions. Still, this is a team far removed from the fluent and ferocious form of last season, and they will not catch pace-setters Arsenal in the race to the finish this season.

There are many variables at play, but after a record-breaking summer of spending in the transfer window, you’d be hard-pressed to make a compelling claim that Liverpool have hit the jackpot on a whole.

Why FSG have failed to strike gold with recruitment

Liverpool have struck gold time and time again on the transfer front, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk the staples, but a long list of acquisitions securing a glittering era of trophy-winning success.

The fact that Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first year without welcoming more than Federico Chiesa to the ranks underscores both his tactical genius and Jurgen Klopp’s brilliance, assembling a team capable of hitting the biggest heights.

However, FSG’s big-money push this year has yet to prove a fruitful one, with players struggling to integrate.

With Klopp at the helm, Liverpool and FSG were widely lauded for their incredible eye for a deal. However, they did occasionally blunder, with Naby Keita a case in point.

Now, sporting director Richard Hughes may worry that he’s accidentally landed a new version of the Guinean midfielder, whose career in English football was ruined by a glassy fitness record.

Liverpool's new Naby Keita

When Liverpool forked out £125m to bring Alexander Isak over from Newcastle United before the transfer deadline in September, they did so with the knowledge that they were making him the most expensive player in British history.

Less than four months into his career on Merseyside, Isak, 26, has had a tough time, only bagging twice in the Premier League, the latter of which came against Tottenham last time out, but at the expense of his fitness, breaking his leg when challenged by Micky van de Ven and now sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The most frustrating part is that Isak has shown at the highest level – in the Premier League – that he is one of the best in the business. Liverpool know this well, having been damaged by him numerous times.

But, for all the £280k-per-week talent’s brilliance, FSG and Richard Hughes and Slot knew that he is a player who had endured setbacks on the injury front across his three years on Tyneside, and this disastrous development suggests that he is in danger of becoming the new Keita, immensely talented but impeded by flimsy fitness levels.

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Keita, who excelled in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, slumped as soon as he touched grass in England’s top flight, unable to muster a convincing run of form for pretty much the entire five-year span of action under Klopp’s wing.

Naby Keita’s Premier League Career By Season

Season

Apps

Minutes

22/23

8

292′

21/22

23

1,175′

20/21

10

521′

19/20

18

813′

18/19

25

1,395′

Data via Transfermarkt

There is hope and expectation that Isak’s woes won’t be so severe, but it’s worrying all the same, with the anxious wait for the results of the 6 foot 3 striker’s MRI scan anticipated to make for grim reading for those of a Red persuasion.

Last year, producer and content creator Lewis Bowden claimed Isak was “the best player in the world”. It was a bold and contentious claim, and one which cannot ring true on current form.

But Isak’s £125m transfer fee and his past exploits in the Premier League confirm that Liverpool have a superstar on their hands, but despite his immense quality, there’s little question that such an injury- and fitness-ravaged debut campaign will have heightened fears that the new Keita has alighted at Anfield this year.

Related An Isak solution: Liverpool agree personal terms to sign big-money PL star

Liverpool are looking to sign a forward in the January transfer window

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

After a huge 4-1 win in the Summer Series last night, Manchester United are finally showing glimpses of the quality of a side that could achieve something under Ruben Amorim.

Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams all managed to get on the scoresheet, highlighting the talent the side possesses within the final third.

However, despite the four-goal haul, Benjamin Sesko still remains a key target for the Red Devils this summer, with talks being held for the RB Leipzig striker.

The 22-year-old registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, potentially being one of the key targets the hierarchy are pursuing at the top end of the pitch.

However, other targets are also being considered across other areas of the pitch, as the boss looks to make his side as competitive as possible ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The midfield department has been subject to interest in recent days, unsurprisingly so, given the lack of options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Morten Hjulmand, Eberechi Eze and Douglas Luiz all appear to be on their radar, but the latter could be going elsewhere after Nottingham Forest entered talks to sign him.

However, the goalkeeping department is also subject to investment this summer, with Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach for the German’s signature, after the 32-year-old was made free to leave the Etihad this summer.

It also states that the player himself is open to discussing a move to Old Trafford despite the rivalry, but no final decision has been made about his next destination.

Why United’s latest signing would be bad news for Onana

Andre Onana has been United’s number one option between the sticks in recent times, costing a staggering £47.2m from Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

The Cameroonian was seen as the perfect replacement for David de Gea, but his time in Manchester has been a disaster, subsequently being subject to anger from the fanbase.

He’s been massively prone to mistakes during his stint at Old Trafford, notching a tally of eight errors leading to goals – ultimately costing the side in numerous key areas.

Altay Bayindir was utilised as an alternative at multiple points of the recent campaign, which has highlighted the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Ortega would cost this summer, he could provide Amorim with an excellent option to help him improve the situation currently playing out in Manchester.

When comparing his stats to those of Onana in England’s top-flight last season, the German managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a great fit for their number one position.

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Ortega, who’s been labelled “incredible” by teammate Rodri, managed to register more saves per 90, along with a higher save percentage – handing Amorim a more confident and reliable option between the sticks.

How Ortega & Onana compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Ortega

Onana

Games played

13

34

Save percentage

69%

68%

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Clean sheet percentage

27%

26%

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

% of long passes

32%

66%

Crosses stopped

7%

5%

Errors leading to goals

0

6

Stats via FBref

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer being long balls, having the ability to play out from the back should the side need that option.

The City star’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of fewer errors leading to goals, having the tools to massively improve such a situation ahead of next season.

The next few weeks will be interesting for the player if he is to move, with the Red Devils fanbase undoubtedly sceptical about the move given his status at their rivals.

However, it’s evident that the player himself would be an excellent addition this summer, ending any lingering doubts about the quality currently at the manager’s disposal at the back.

Related Bad news for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd hold talks to sign £68m star

Manchester United could land a player who could thrive in Ruben Amorim’s system.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb

Glasgow Rangers avoided embarrassment by coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 in a dramatic Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee on Saturday.

The Light Blues needed two long shots from Tom Lawrence and James Tavernier to get back level, before Cyriel Dessers secured all three points late on.

It was Lawrence’s first goal for Rangers since October of last year against FCSB in the Europa League, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will still be at Ibrox next term, as his contract is due to expire this summer.

The Rangers players who are out of contract this summer

The English forward is one of three senior first-team players who are out of contract at the end of this season, alongside Ianis Hagi and veteran defender Leon Balogun.

As per Transfermarkt, Lawrence and Hagi are both valued at around £1.7m and would, therefore, not depart as hugely valuable assets if they were to move on for nothing. Balogun, meanwhile, turns 37 this summer and is valued at just £115k.

Rangers have some big decisions to make because their Romanian attacking midfielder has contributed with three goals and seven assists in 21 Premiership matches, whilst Lawrence has scored four goals and provided two assists in 15 league outings.

Despite both players being out of contract, there is a Gers dud who is worth even less than them, and the 49ers investment group, part of the takeover that has been agreed in principle, must ruthlessly ditch him this summer – Ross McCausland.

Why Rangers must finally sell Ross McCausland

The Northern Ireland international came up through the academy at Ibrox and emerged as a first-team regular early on in Philippe Clement’s reign in the 2023/24 campaign.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global gam

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McCausland, who turns 22 this summer, has failed to kick on after making his breakthrough at senior level, though, and has been an unused substitute in 15 of his last 23 appearances in the matchday squad in all competitions.

Ross McCausland (24/25)

Premiership

Europa League

Appearances

12

6

Starts

3

0

Goals

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

Key passes per game

0.7

0.0

Assists

0

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Northern Irish winger has not impressed Clement or Barry Ferguson enough to earn regular game time, and he has made little impact on the pitch with the opportunities that have come his way.

The lightweight, who has lost 91% of his aerial duels in the Premiership this season, is 22 this year and has only fallen further down the pecking order, rather than progressing, since his first-team emergence, which does not suggest that he is on the right path to being a star for Rangers.

That might come as a surprise, particularly to Ferguson who had been impressed with him before even arriving back at Ibrox. Speaking in an interview in 2023, he noted that McCausland “has a great opportunity to become a big player for Rangers.” Sadly, that has not come true and is unlikely to.

At the time of writing (31/03/2025), McCausland is valued at £1.3m by Transfermarkt and this means that he is worth even less than Hagi and Lawrence, despite having a contract through to the summer of 2027.

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This illustrates his struggles on the pitch this season because he is deemed to be worth even less than players who are set to be free agents later this year.

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It is now down to the 49ers to finally and ruthlessly ditch the young dud, because he is not showing signs of progress at Ibrox, when the summer transfer window opens for business, with a view to replacing him with an upgrade by dipping into the market.