Rangers should not be worried by the loss of an important relationship; it could benefit Clement.
Rangers‘ James Tavernier and Connor Goldson could leave the club this summer after being linked with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq. According to the Daily Record [25 April], a major rule change in Saudi Arabia has opened the door for Al-Ettifaq, as teams in the Saudi Pro League prepare to add more foreign players to their rosters.
The former Gers boss is thought to be interested in acquiring both defensive talents for his team in Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ettifaq finishing seventh in the league this season. While the Ibrox faithful may not be thrilled with the prospect of the duo leaving Scotland at the end of the season, particularly Tavernier, it could eventually help manager Philippe Clement. Since his appointment by the Gers in October, the Belgian has done wonders, narrowing a significant gap on Old Firm rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, reaching the Europa League round of 16, winning the Scottish League Cup, and reaching the Scottish Cup final.
Despite this, it is tough to overlook the elderly character of Clement’s squad at Ibrox, which will require a redesign at some point, and this summer may provide him with the ideal opportunity. In addition to the aforementioned trio, Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack, Tom Lawrence, and Kemar Roofe are all 30 or older, with some of them being prone to injury.
Rangers could be preparing to rebuild under Philippe Clement. Clement is well-known for rebuilding clubs and leading them to success, including Genk, Club Brugge, and Monaco.
He will be eager to achieve the same in Scotland, and having already won the League Cup and competed for the Scottish Premiership title, the manager has a solid foundation to build on. Clement signed Oscar Cortes, Wolves attacker Fabio Silva, and Mohamed Diomande on loan in January, with the latter having an obligation to buy, and will try to spice up the squad with some permanent acquisitions in the summer.
If Rangers receive reasonable bids for Tavernier and Goldson this summer, the club would be foolish not to consider accepting them, as they might assist Clement shape the squad for the 2024/25 season. It will be extremely difficult to replace the former’s 125 goals since joining from Wigan in 2015, and both have been outstanding servants to the club.
All good things must come to an end, and perhaps now is the moment to cut ties.