As Russell Martin begins shaping his Rangers squad for the new season, the midfield remains a major point of interest. Here's a breakdown of who should stay, who must go, and who needs a developmental pathway.
Connor Barron – Stay
While not the finished article, Barron represents a welcome shift in recruitment strategy, from uninspired EFL journeymen to young, Scottish talent with SPFL experience and room to grow.
He's not quite a nailed-on starter yet, but the former Aberdeen man deserves the chance to continue developing at Ibrox. With a better squad around him, that long-awaited Scotland debut may not be far away. A strong squad option for now, with potential to become more.
Mohammed Diomande – Stay
Inconsistent? Yes. Frustrating? Often. But Diomande has also shown flashes of genuine class, particularly in Europe and Old Firm games.
He possesses the close control reminiscent of Joe Aribo and isn’t afraid to shoot from distance.
If he improves his passing, he could evolve into a complete midfielder by Scottish standards. He’s not the finished product, but his ceiling is high, and he’s only going to increase in value. Stick with him.
Nedim Bajrami – Go
This move hasn’t worked. A late window signing that increasingly feels like a panic buy, Bajrami has rarely looked interested or fully engaged.
Yes, he’s had moments, his man-marking jobs on Callum McGregor were effective, but that’s not what you pay over £3m for.
With memories of his Euro heroics for Albania last summer still fresh, this is the time to cash in and move on.
Jose Cifuentes – Go
Another misstep from the Beale era. Cifuentes failed in Brazil with Cruzeiro and, although he did better with Aris Thessaloniki, it’s not enough. Aris want him permanently, but not at the £4m agreed price and negotiations continue.
If we can cut our losses and make the deal happen, we should. Time to close the book.
Kieran Dowell – Go
Dowell impressed on loan at Birmingham, but like so many of Beale’s “freebies,” he’s simply not at the required level. Any fee we get is pure profit, and we should take it without hesitation.
Nicolas Raskin – Conditional
This one depends on contract talks. Raskin has two years left. If he doesn’t extend this summer, he must go. We can’t afford more Kent/Morelos-style losses of star players for nil.
But if he signs on again, he should be handed the armband and become the heartbeat of the team for another year.
He’s now a Belgium international regular, entering his peak, and is arguably our best player, and biggest asset.
Make the right call now and we’ll reap the benefits on and off the pitch.
Bailey Rice – Stay
Finally broke into the first-team last season and showed flashes of promise, particularly in European matches at Old Trafford and Athletic Bilbao at Ibrox.
Yes, he struggled at times, Queen’s Park in the Cup was a low point for player and club, but inconsistency is to be expected from a young player.
If we’re serious about Rice, he must get real minutes in a stronger team. With patience and proper development, he could be the first home-grown midfielder to truly lead Rangers since Barry Ferguson.
Lyall Cameron – Stay
Just arrived and should be allowed time to settle into his new surroundings. The early signs are promising, and with the right management, he’ll grow into his role.
Paul Nsio – Loan
Has made a few first-team cameos but looks off the pace. Needs a proper loan to prove himself and gain match experience. Crucial year ahead.
Rangers need to be decisive and strategic. The midfield has the raw materials, but not all of it fits. The focus must shift from patchwork signings to planned development, contracts must be handled smarter, and the club has to build around core players who understand the demands of Ibrox.