Six Rangers players Danny Rohl should axe in January as boss handed Ibrox transfer guarantee
The January transfer window is creeping up fast with new Rangers boss Danny Rohl eyeing sweeping changes to his squad
The January transfer window is often viewed as a difficult one to land top targets - but new Rangers head coach Danny Rohl will be relishing his first opportunity to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Russell Martin.
With around five weeks to go until the window opens, the German boss will have spent the international break identifying potential signings and conducting a review of the player he already has on the books.
Despite being heavily backed by the club’s new American owners in the summer, ex-Southampton manager Martin lasted just 123 days in the Ibrox hotseat. It was confirmed by now-departed sporting director Kevin Thelwell that Rangers would be ‘fairly active’ in January following Rohl’s appointment.
And having now had some time to assess what he needs to strengthen the current group, Rohl has a number of big decisions to make heading into the upcoming window.
The Light Blues have several fringe players on high wages who haven’t been contributing and somehow need to find a way to get them off the club’s wage bill. Whether that be on a permanent basis or a temporary loan, GlasgowWorld has looked at SIX players who could head through the exit door in January.
Kieran Dowell
Russell Martin seemed willing to throw the English midfielder a second chance after stating any player who found themselves out of favour would be offered a clean slate. Having impressed on loan at Birmingham City during the second half of last season, Dowell returned to Ibrox and was subsequently handed some minutes in a few early season games.
However, the player hinted that he would be open to a return south of the border. But he remained in Glasgow and played in both legs of Champions League qualifier against Panathinakos and started the league opener at Motherwell before picking up an injury.
Hasn't been involved since late August and is not part of the Europa League squad. Doesn’t appear to have a long-term future and finds himself out of contract in the summer. Needs moved on.
Nedim Bajrami
Arrived at Rangers in August 2024 under Belgian boss Philippe Clement with a decent reputation having plied his trade in Italy’s top flight with Sassuolo. However, the Albanian international’s time in Scotland hasn't gone to plan.
Bajrami is yet to start a Premiership games and his minutes from the bench have been extremely limited. Has been left out of several matchday squads, including the extra-time defeat to Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final.
Also omitted from the Europa League squad and seems a likely candidate to want to seek a new adventure away from Rangers, despite head coach Danny Rohl suggesting he still has a future at the club.
Rabbi Matondo
The Welsh international hasn’t lived up to expectations, largely due to injuries, and is someone Rohl will want to send packing and free up a space in his squad. Last appeared for the club under Philippe Clement back in January before heading out on loan to Hannover 96 in Germany.
Left in the football wilderness during Martin’s ill-fated reign but has been back training at Auchenhowie for several weeks now and is still no closer to making his long-awaited comeback. Was heavily linked with a permanent move away from Glasgow in the summer, with clubs in Turkey interested in his services. That door could possibly open again in January.
Clinton Nsiala
Snapped up on a pre-contract from Serie A giants AC Milan last summer, the 21-year-old French defender is well down the pecking order at Ibrox and could be open to a mid-season exit in search of regular game time.
Has only managed 13 appearances in all competitions, but with John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Nasser Djiga and Emmanuel Fernandez all ahead of him, it’s expected the young centre-back could seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Bailey Rice
The teenage midfielder remains one of Rangers most exciting academy prospects, but for whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out for him at Ibrox so far. Barely got a look in under Russell Martin early in the season and that theme has continued into the start of Rohl’s reign.
Handed a rare outing in the cup win over Alloa Athletic, but has since suffered a muscle injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for several months, which could prevent him from departing on loan in January.
Contract expires at the end of the season, and it is unknown what the future holds for Rice. He will recognise the need to be playing senior football for the greater good of his development, having been linked with a return to former club Motherwell during the summer.
Nasser Djiga & Max Aarons (loan return)
Two players who joined Rangers in the summer and have brought nothing to the table. Wolves defender Djiga has endured too many error-strewn performances and has lacked consistency, while Bournemouth full-back Aarons has cut a frustrated figure on the bench following a dismal start to his Ibrox career, being played out of position at left-back and getting himself sent off during the heavy Champions League qualifying second leg defeat to Club Brugge. Both men need to have their loan deals terminated.