Rangers Pay the Price for Years of Transfer Failures as Philippe Clement Leads Squad Overhaul

Rangers are now facing the full consequences of years of mismanagement in the transfer market, with current manager Philippe Clement left to pick up the pieces. The club’s financial struggles have been well-documented, and the impact of reckless spending continues to haunt them. After slashing £6 million from their wage bill last summer, Rangers have been forced to make further cutbacks in January, offloading several big earners in an attempt to stabilize their finances.

Among those departures were Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell, whose exits freed up an additional £2 million per year in wages. However, these moves are just the beginning of a wider restructuring effort. Rangers are still burdened by the effects of previous poor recruitment decisions, which have seen the club commit to expensive transfers and inflated wages for players who ultimately failed to deliver on the pitch.

One of the most glaring examples of this wasteful spending is the situation surrounding Ben Davies. The English centre-back was signed from Liverpool in 2022 for £4 million, arriving at Ibrox with high expectations. At the time, he was seen as a key addition to bolster Rangers’ defensive line, but his performances never matched the hefty price tag. Worse still, his substantial weekly wages of £27,000 have become a major financial burden on the club, particularly given his lack of consistent game time.

Davies’ struggles at Rangers epitomize the problems that have plagued the club’s transfer policy in recent years. Too often, the club has invested heavily in players who failed to meet expectations, leaving them stuck with high earners who contribute little on the pitch. While some players have managed to recover their form elsewhere, the long-term damage to Rangers’ wage structure and squad balance has been significant.

Ben Davies’ Future Uncertain as Birmingham Fans Push for Permanent Move

Now, Davies finds himself on loan at Birmingham City, where he has gradually worked his way into Chris Davies’ starting XI. Initially, he struggled for game time upon arriving at St Andrews, but after a period of patience, he has become an integral part of the side. His performances have earned praise from Birmingham supporters, with many calling for the club to sign him on a permanent deal this summer.

However, despite the growing calls for his stay, Davies himself has remained non-committal about his long-term future, stating that he has not given much thought to what happens next.

“I don’t go on social media, or not looking for myself at least, so I haven’t noticed but if that’s the case, it’s really flattering and brilliant to have their support,” Davies told Birmingham Live.

“I haven’t thought about it yet, I just wanted to come out and do a year’s loan and try and get going again because it was a bit stop-start at Rangers for me. I’m happy with the way it’s going, but I haven’t thought past now.

“I came here looking to play as many games as possible and when I first came I realised the strength in depth that the squad had and the quality that they had all over the pitch, especially at the back, so it took a bit of time and I’ve been patient. I’ve done a good run of games now so it feels good.”

While Davies is enjoying his football in England, his time at Rangers is all but over. The club is eager to move him on permanently in the summer, but whether Birmingham can afford both his transfer fee and wages remains uncertain. Davies still has a year left on his contract at Ibrox, and Rangers will be keen to recoup as much of their original £4 million investment as possible. However, given his limited impact in Glasgow, they may have to accept a cut-price deal or negotiate a compromise with Birmingham to facilitate the move.

Rangers Aim to Offload More Loaned-Out Players

Davies is just one of several loan players that Rangers are looking to shift permanently in the summer as part of their ongoing squad overhaul. Kieran Dowell, another high earner, also finds himself at Birmingham, having joined the club on loan in January. The former Everton and Norwich midfielder has already impressed at St Andrews, adding creativity to their midfield and helping in their push for promotion back to the Championship. If he continues his strong form, Birmingham may consider keeping him permanently, but financial negotiations will once again be key.

Elsewhere, Rabbi Matondo is attempting to reignite his career at Hannover 96. Rangers had high hopes for the Welsh winger when they signed him from Schalke for around £3 million in 2022, but he has struggled with inconsistency and injuries. His time in the Bundesliga may provide him with a fresh start, and Rangers are hopeful that a strong showing in Germany could increase his chances of securing a permanent exit.

Another player on the move is Ecuadorian midfielder Jose Cifuentes, who is currently on loan at Aris Thessaloniki. Unlike some of the other Rangers loanees, Cifuentes has found himself in a positive situation, playing a key role in Aris’ push for the Greek Super League title. If Aris can secure silverware, it could strengthen their case for keeping him beyond this season.

The Bigger Picture: Rangers’ Transfer Policy Under Scrutiny

For Philippe Clement, this summer will be crucial in reshaping the squad and correcting the mistakes of past transfer windows. Rangers must strike a balance between trimming their bloated wage bill and ensuring that the squad remains competitive in both domestic and European competitions.

One of the key challenges facing Clement is the need for smarter recruitment. Rangers have spent too much money on players who have failed to make an impact, and going forward, they must adopt a more sustainable approach. This means targeting players who fit both the financial model and the tactical system, rather than splashing out on expensive signings without a clear long-term plan.

In addition, Rangers will need to carefully manage their existing squad to avoid further financial strain. The departures of high earners like Davies, Matondo, Dowell, and Cifuentes will free up significant funds, but replacing them with quality additions at reasonable prices will be a difficult balancing act. Clement has shown himself to be a pragmatic manager, but he will need full backing from the board to overhaul the squad effectively.

What Comes Next for Rangers?

With the Scottish Premiership title race still in full swing and the battle for European qualification ongoing, Rangers cannot afford to let off-field distractions affect their performances. However, behind the scenes, the club’s hierarchy must be working hard to prepare for what will be a pivotal summer transfer window.

Rangers fans will be eager to see how Clement navigates the challenges ahead. If the club can learn from past mistakes, improve their recruitment strategy, and build a more sustainable squad, they will be in a much stronger position moving forward. However, if they continue down the path of reckless spending and poor decision-making, they risk further financial instability and on-field struggles.

The pressure is now on the Rangers board and recruitment team to get things right. Philippe Clement has been tasked with steadying the ship, but he cannot do it alone. The coming months will reveal whether Rangers are finally ready to put years of transfer failures behind them and move towards a more stable and successful future.