Sam Lammers being priced out of Rangers exit moves by his wages is a “huge problem” for Philippe Clement, says Derek Ferguson.
The forward has been dropped to the B Team as he doesn’t figure in the manager’s plans after struggling in Glasgow [Rangers Review, 8 July].
A beneficial loan at FC Utrecht in the second half of last season had generated interest in a transfer back to the Eredivisie [Rangers Review, 29 May].
But his Ibrox contract is making him unaffordable unless he takes a massive pay cut [AD Voetbal podcast, 15 July].
The Daily Record reported on 17 July that a return to Utrecht was blocked as he didn’t want to reduce his wages, and NEC Nijmegen’s manager Rogier Meijer says Lammers has turned down a move there [Scottish Sun, 21 July].
Ferguson doesn’t think the Dutchman wants to remain with the Light Blues but the fact he is one of a few unwanted players on good contracts is contributing to a major headache for Clement in the transfer market as he can’t make crucial new signings.
He exclusively told Ibrox News: “It’s a huge problem because I would imagine Lammers ain’t too keen to pursue his career at Rangers.
“He’d done well when he went out on loan, so are Rangers maybe going to have to take the hit financially?
“It might be, and that’s where I really feel for the manager because he’s not been allowed to [make his own signings].
“He’s obviously brought in a few players, younger guys that are going to be a project for the future.But he needs to bring these experienced, established players.
“Lammers is on a good contract, as are quite a few others so it’s a real problem for the manager.
“He worked wonders when he came into the club last season but I think it’s a very difficult time for him at the moment.”
Sam Lammers stuck at Rangers as Ibrox exit deals go begging
On one hand it is easy to blame Lammers for causing the current transfer logjam but there aren’t many people who would happily take a massive reduction in pay if they had been given a nice contract.
On the other he could be accused of failing to uphold his end of the bargain after scoring just twice for the Light Blues.
Michael Beale and the board are perhaps most responsible for the current situation after making the misguided signing a year ago but if a club doesn’t come in for him it is Clement who is left picking up the pieces.
Lammers returned to form in a huge way back in the Netherlands with 11 goals in 20 games so if European clubs can’t justify paying him what he is on at Ibrox then something has gone very wrong somewhere.
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