Rangers exodus to begin with ‘four exits already lined up at Rangers’

Rangers fell to a 2-0 defeat against Athletic Bilbao to end their Europa League hopes, and they now have nothing left to play for this season.

Barry Ferguson’s side battled well but were ultimately beaten by the better side on Thursday, as goals from Oihan Sancet and Nico Williams consigned Rangers to defeat.

With no domestic success possible either, attention at Ibrox has already shifted to the transfer window.

With it still unclear who will be the next permanent manager, Rangers have a lot to do in terms of revamping the squad, and several players may now leave.

Four players could leave Rangers

Rangers could see several key players leave on free transfers, with several stars out of contract at the end of the season, including Leon Balogun.

Broadcaster Tom English, speaking live on BBC Sportsound (22:03, 17 April), shared four players who could be on their way out of Ibrox within weeks.

Stat	Leon Balogun
Appearances	110
Goals	3
Assists	4

“Tom Lawrence is out of contract,” he stated.

“[Ianis] Hagi is out of contract, [Neraysho] Kasanwirjo, [Leon] Balogun, so they can maybe do something there, but they need to get rid of more, and they need to bring in more.”

It could be a big summer rebuild, but Rangers may benefit from keeping some players for continuity.

Rangers should keep Balogun

Balogun has been a reliable defender for Rangers, and even if he ends up as a squad option, he would be useful to keep for his experience.

Hagi has made 31 appearances this season as a key player, but drew criticism for his display against Athletic Club, in which he was withdrawn at halftime.

Rangers need to clear out a lot of the squad and bring in fresh talent, meaning that extending some of these expiring contracts may not be in their best interests.