Rangers in Arsenal talent battle as Ibrox-linked youth chief issues ‘come and get me’ plea
As the Rangers first team evolves, so does the club’s academy. Craig Mullholland accompanied Ross Wilson to Nottingham Forest, and the club’s youth setup has undergone several changes in recent seasons.
There was a sense that the club’s youth department had failed to produce enough top players under Mullholland’s leadership. However, too many players, including Kenny McLean and Lewis Ferguson, had been allowed to escape through the Ibrox net. Next up was Zeb Jacobs, a bright young Belgian academy visionary who has since been snatched by Feyenoord, leaving the department without a manager heading into the next season.
Despite this, the club’s academy continues to thrive, with a number of transfer ties to the squad.
Rangers battle Arsenal for St Johnstone talent
Philippe Clement has been clear that there will be more opportunities for youth so long as he is manager.
As Rangers’ stuttering player trading model fails to get off the ground, the Belgian is clear that handing opportunities to young players is crucial to developing the club’s transfer infrastructure.
Ross McCausland has flourished under the ex-Club Brugge boss, whilst Robbie Fraser and Cole McKinnon have both been given opportunities.
With AC Milan talent Clinton Nsiala naming Clement as one of the main reasons why he joined Rangers, it’s clear youth has a big role to play in the future of the club.
Hot young Scotland/USA talent Alexander Smith has also been convinced to sign a three-year deal despite keen interest from the Premier League.We can assure you that this would not have been feasible without a direct access to the Ibrox first team. That is a pathway that we doubt would be available to Arsenal, who are ready to compete with Rangers for another outstanding Scottish young potential. Rangers, Celtic, and Arsenal are all reportedly interested in St Johnstone’s Callan Hamill.
According to the Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Arsenal appear to have stolen a march on the Old Firm with the defender down at the north London club’s academy.
Leon King is one such figure, while Ross McCausland and Alex Lowry signed contracts with Ibrox despite strong interest elsewhere. Given that Callan Hamill has not performed well in the Rangers’ surroundings, convincing the kid of a deal will be more difficult, but we will keep an eye on the situation. There is much of speculation about what will happen next at the Rangers academy. Gareth Henderby, a former Right to Dream Academy coach and FC Nordsjaelland youth expert, has been connected to the Academy’s currently empty director position.
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