Rangers trio set for impending departures, manager confirms

Rangers' players (back row L-R) Rangers' Croatian defender Borna Barisic, Rangers' Scottish defender Nathan Patterson, Rangers' Nigerian defender Leon Balogun, Rangers' English defender Connor Goldson, Rangers' Nigerian midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Rangers' Scottish goalkeeper Allan McGregor, (front row L-R) Rangers' Northern Irish midfielder Steven Davis, Rangers' Finnish midfielder Glen Kamara, Rangers' Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos, Rangers' Canadian-Scottish midfielder Scott Arfield and Rangers' English midfielder Ryan Kent pose for a photograph before the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, 2nd leg football match between Rangers and Slavia Prague at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on March 18, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Milligan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Rangers' players (back row L-R) Rangers' Croatian defender Borna Barisic, Rangers' Scottish defender Nathan Patterson, Rangers' Nigerian defender Leon Balogun, Rangers' English defender Connor Goldson, Rangers' Nigerian midfielder Joseph Ayodele-Aribo and Rangers' Scottish goalkeeper Allan McGregor, (front row L-R) Rangers' Northern Irish midfielder Steven Davis, Rangers' Finnish midfielder Glen Kamara, Rangers' Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos, Rangers' Canadian-Scottish midfielder Scott Arfield and Rangers' English midfielder Ryan Kent pose for a photograph before the UEFA Europa League Round of 16, 2nd leg football match between Rangers and Slavia Prague at the Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow on March 18, 2021. (Photo by Andrew Milligan / POOL / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW MILLIGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Rangers manager Michael Beale has all but confirmed the impending departures of striker Alfredo Morelos, winger Ryan Kent and goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Beale hinted that the trio are unlikely to remain at Ibrox beyond the current season when their contracts expire.

The three players have been instrumental to Rangers’ success in recent seasons but appear set for pastures new.

Morelos and Kent have established themselves as fan favourites during their time in Glasgow, helping the club win their 55th league title and reach the Europa League final.

However, with their deals running down, it seemed apparent they would not sign extensions.

As for McGregor, at 40 years of age, he is approaching the twilight of his career. While a club legend who will be fondly remembered, Rangers likely feel it is time to find a younger and more reliable first-choice goalkeeper.

Beale praised the trio for their contributions this term, saying:

"“Last week everyone that played – barring maybe Alfredo [Morelos] and Allan [McGregor] – will be a Rangers player next season and it was a strong performance again with five goals.”"

However, he hinted their futures had already been decided, adding:

"“There’s a moment to reveal what’s going to happen and as much as I’d like to tell you everything, I have to keep a bit back.”"

Rangers trio set for impending departures, manager confirms

The manager’s comments will not come as a surprise to most Rangers supporters who have long expected Morelos, Kent and McGregor to move on.

However, confirmation of their impending departures will still sadden fans who have relished their time at Ibrox.

While the transfers may be inevitable as players’ careers wind down or they seek new challenges, they have undoubtedly etched their names into club folklore.

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