Rangers manager Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has confirmed he has not spoken to Joe Aribo or Ryan Kent about their contract situations.
Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent have been two of Rangers key players since their arrival at Ibrox, with both players considered match winners. Both players contracts expire on the 31st of May 2023, meaning Rangers last chance to secure a reasonable fee for either player would be this summer.
Aribo has been untouchable this season
Joe Aribo has been arguably Rangers player of the season this year, particularly before he went to the AFCON with Nigeria. He has played 36 games for the club this season, registering six goals and six assists respectively.
Joe Aribo has been a great piece of business, signed from Charlton for a development fee he has gone on to play 127 games for the club and is arguably the most talented player to play at Ibrox for years.
Recent reports have suggested former Old Firm bosses Steven Gerrard and Brendan Rodgers may pursue his signature. Rangers should receive an eight-figure sum, anything less is unacceptable. No one would begrudge Aribo a move down south to test himself against the elite of the Premier League and it would be successful evidence of the Rangers player trading model, a model the club is advocating for going forward.
Ryan Kent signed from Liverpool for a hefty £7m after an initial loan period at Rangers. The £7m was a huge outlay for the club as we had not spent that kind of money for years.
On his day Kent is unplayable, his dribbling and speed are invaluable to Rangers. An almost guaranteed starter on the left side of the attack, he is an important member of the squad. Ryan struggles for consistency and goals, sometimes the £7m fee appears to be a burden on him. However, his ability is undeniable, and he is an integral part of the Rangers side, Rangers would be hopeful of making a profit on the £7m paid for Kent’s services.
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Kent has played 25 games for Rangers this season, scoring two goals and assisting eleven. Leeds United have been credited with a long-term interest in the winger.
Rangers need to tie pair down – TBR View
Giovanni Van Bronckhorst will be hopeful the club can tie down two players who are worth millions to Rangers, replacing them would be a task that would cost several millions too.
Speaking to the press ahead of the Europa League tie against Dortmund, Gio said of the duo’s situation
“No, I haven’t spoken with them about extending contracts. That’s something the club will do in the near future, so we just need to make sure we have the future well planned. Of course, these are players who are very important for our club so I think the talks will begin but with players of these qualities, you want to have them as long as possible.”
It is not an ideal situation to allow a key player to enter the final year of their contract, evidenced by the Connor Goldson situation this season. Rangers fans will be hoping both players are willing to remain at the club.