‘I wouldn’t worry’…John Bennett makes Rangers transfer change of direction after funds claim
Rangers supporters aren’t having the nicest summers. Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen face a daunting task in restoring Govan to its former brilliance. The Rangers manager has already had to deal with playing away from Ibrox, and now he must sell before he can buy, as Rangers News reported in May.
Clement will have money to spend, but when the Rangers manager spends about £9.2 million per year on players he does not want, it is not difficult to see where the difficulties are. His realization that bodies must be relocated is frustrating; nonetheless, it is understandable that the gaffer may feel misled.
At the Rangers AGM at the end of 2023, John Bennett spoke for the first time as the club’s chairman and was defiant when asked if the harm inflicted by Michael Beale’s free reign in the transfer market will influence the incoming manager’s budget. “But I wouldn’t be concerned about the summer expenses that we’ve incurred and how they might affect Philippe’s plans. “I believe what is most essential is that the club’s announcement on Friday was not solely about the very important appointment of Nils Koppen. “It was very deliberately couched in terms of the football board and I want all of our fans to know that it is a process.
“It’s no longer about backing ‘an individual’. It’s about backing a club process.
“That’s why you have a football board. That football board, newly formed this year, is about backing a club process.
“But rest assured that last summer’s spend will have no bearing on where we all – Philippe and everyone at this club – want to take it and need to take it.”
Clement has had money to spend, so let us remove the misconception that he has had no budget at all. Mohamed Diomande was paid £4.3 million, and Oscar Cortes is alleged to have cost a similar amount. Then there’s the £1.5 million upfront for Hamza Igamane, a youngster who is anticipated to be given time to assimilate into the group rather than being put under pressure right away. What hasn’t helped his cause is having to replace players of the caliber of Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram, and Kemar Roofe on a limited budget before he can consider upgrading.
Yes, players like Sam Lammers and Cyriel Dessers need to be moved on in an ideal world, but it just isn’t as simple as that.
Rangers can reduce their asking prices and pay a percentage of their wages, however, if the player wants to stay, there is nothing they can do to make them leave.
What would help, is if Clement was allowed to bring in one or two guaranteed starters to bump those who might dig their heels in down the pecking order.
The prospect of not playing soon sharpens the mind when other clubs come calling.
Bennett has only been in charge for slightly more than a year, but he is already under pressure. If he wants to re-engage fans, despite the necessity to reduce the team and salary bill, he must release the purse strings at Ibrox.
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