Journalist Jonny McFarlane has stated that it’s likely Ryan Kent or Alfredo Morelos leave for free as ‘talks have stalled’ over their new contracts with Rangers.
As things stand, both men will see their current deals with the club expire in less than 12 months’ time, on 31st May (via Transfermarkt).
At the start of the season, there had been ‘positive’ news on Morelos according to manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as he told the press (via Daily Record): “The other issue he has is the contract he has. But he’s very positive about signing a new contract. We are doing our best to get Morelos to sign a new contract. Hopefully, in the next coming weeks we’ll sort it all out but still the talks are ongoing.”
Similarly, he seemed upbeat in July about Kent’s contract, telling Football Scotland: “Ryan’s abilities and qualities are on a high level. Talks with him are happening at the moment to extend his contract.”
However, according to McFarlane, the duo now seem ‘more likely’ to leave Rangers at the end of the season for free – as long as they aren’t sold in January.
Indeed, he told The Rangers Review: “My understanding with both players is that contract talks have stalled. I think that’s kind of obvious.
“I think there was a lot of positive noises coming out, and I think we felt that it was looking good for new contracts, maybe at the start of the summer for Morelos and Kent.
“I don’t know if that’s the case now. I think it’s looking more likely that both will be walking out on freedom of contract, or sold in January.”
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TIF Thoughts on Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos and Rangers…
Pundit and Rangers legend Ally McCoist recently accused Kent of being lazy during the 4-0 thumping against Ajax, while Van Bronckhorst recently dropped Morelos from the squad over fitness and attitude concerns.
Taking that into account, it’s not as if the duo are currently operating at their best level right now. Even so, the club will hardly be keen to see either man leave for free.
Indeed, Kent has 80 goal contributions during his time with the club and Morelos has a mammoth 164 – proving that they have both provided plenty for Rangers over the years.
With that in mind, if talks really have stalled and the pair are soon to leave, this will come as a bitter blow to the team.