The latest news about Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo’s contracts could well have two big impacts at Rangers.
According to hints laid down by Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, both Aribo and Kent are in line for new deals at Ibrox.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of their recent Europa League clash (via Rangers Review), he claimed that the club are in discussions with the pair over new deals, saying: “These are players who are very important for our club so I think the talks will begin but with players of these qualities, you want to have them as long as possible.”
Both deals expire in the summer of 2023, meaning that the Gers would likely be forced to sell this summer to avoid the risk of losing them on a free transfer, so it sounds as if the club are trying to make something happen, with the club likely desperate to tie them down as soon as possible.
However, there are two potentially huge consequences for them if they do go down this road – one of them good, one of them potentially very bad indeed…
A statement of intent from the board on Kent?
Kent is someone that has been looked at by Premier League clubs for years now, with Leeds United and Aston Villa both having been linked with moves for him, and after 29 goals and 40 assists during his time at the club, it’s easy to see why.
However, given his importance to the club, as he currently ranks in the top three for shots, key passes, dribbles, fouls drawn and crosses per game (via WhoScored), he represents a key player to the side and someone that they should be looking to build around moving forward in their hunt for silverware.
So if they can sign him to a new deal and keep hold of him for the long run, then it might just be a sign that Rangers aren’t going to be messed around when it comes to their players.
Losing out on some crucial funds?
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Reports have claimed recently that whilst the Rangers board valued Aribo at £10m, they would be willing to entertain offers of £5m if any club wanted to come in for him this summer.
However, if they were to sign him to a new deal, you would imagine that might put some clubs off wanting to sign him. After all, you’re either doing it to make sure he stays at the club for a long time, or simply to increase his value, which some clubs might now be tempted to move on from.
Can they really afford to turn their nose up at £5m this summer to give to Van Bronckhorst to help build the side in his own image ahead of next season?
In other news: GVB forced into big decision, potential game-changer: Rangers injury news emerges – opinion