9 Rangers players out of contract next summer get keep or release treatment: 5 depart and four stick around

Nine players are out of contract at Rangers next summer and decisions will need made on their futures.

The Light Blues have endured a mixed start to the domestic scene, having won five, drawn one and lost one of their opening seven games. In Europe, an early Champions League exit at the hands of Ukrainians’ Dynamo Kyiv was followed up with a 2-0 win Malmo in Sweden in their Europa League opener. However, Philippe Clement’s side were thrashed 4-1 by French outfit Lyon on matchday two.

Many stars both in the youthful and experienced bracket are in at Rangers for the long haul. But some have terms expiring this summer. Here, GlasgowWorld sees what’s what in the keep or release rankings.

Leon Balogun - Release

A loyal servant who has been limited to a place on the subs bench so far this season. A useful back-up option who wears his heart on his sleeve but at 36 his best days are now behind him. It could well be the right time for the Nigerian to move on.

Adam Devine - Release

Right-back has been on the fringes of the first-team for several years now and has made little inroad on dislodging James Tavernier from the starting XI. Has been playing regularly for the B team but with Sterling and Kasanwirjo also competing for a spot, Devine has already been told he’s free to leave the club.

Tom Lawrence - Keep

Injury-prone but effective on his day. The Welshman is currently enjoying his best start to a season and has been enjoying a prolific run of form in front of goal. However, his game time will have to be monitored closely going forward.

Zak Lovelace - Keep

Yet to really prove his worth. The frontman arrived from Millwall with high expectations but supporters have yet to see the best of him. Another player who has struggled with injuries and hasn’t been able to make an impact on Clement’s first-team. Entering last-chance saloon territory.

Alex Lowry - Release

Similar to academy teammate Devine, the attacking midfielder doesn’t appear to have a future at Rangers under Clement. Looked certain to head out on loan this summer before performing a late U-turn and opting to stay in Glasgow to fight for his first-team future. His disappointing loan spell at Hearts last season has done little to boost his hopes of winning a new deal.

Cole McKinnon - Release

The 21-year-old midfielder is now entering that stage of his career where he needs regular game time and he simply isn’t going to get that at Ibrox. Has had enough opportunities to force his way into the frame for a starting spot but continues to be overlooked by Clement and has only featured on the bench in European games.

Paul Nsio - Keep

An exciting prospect who Rangers fans still have high hopes for. Doesn’t look likely of breaking into the senior set-up anytime soon, though, despite getting his first taste of first-team football two years ago and stood out in Rangers’ Scottish Youth Cup final triumph over Aberdeen last season.

Archie Stevens - Keep

Another up-and-coming academy talent who has sampled some first-team action and will be striving for more as he continues to impress at B-team level. It would be a surprise if the England youth international isn’t handed a new contract.

Kieran Wright - Release

Currently on loan at Championship side Airdrieonians, the goalkeeper has been farmed out on eight previous occasions to gain senior experience but seems no closer to impacting the first-team. It would be best for his career development to head elsewhere for game time.