Rangers: Sky Sports pundit issues ‘enormous’ John Lundstram contract verdict amid Ibrox talks.
Kris Boyd believes it is “crucial” that Rangers find a way to extend John Lundstram’s contract so Philippe Clement can develop around one of his greatest players.
According to a Sky Sports pundit’s editorial in the Scottish Sun on March 8, the English midfielder has a “enormous influence” on the Belgian team and works well with January recruit Mohamed Diomande.
The former Sheffield United player’s contract at Ibrox expires in the summer, but after excelling since Clement’s arrival, Boyd believes he is “one of the best” in the club and must stay.
Boyd commented: “Rangers next season? Keeping John Lundstram beyond the summer is vital. They need to find a method to lock him down with a new contract.
“He complements Diomande well and has a significant influence on the way Clement wants the team to play.”
“For the Belgian to build again next term he’ll want his best players around him, and Lundstram has been one of the best.”
Philippe Clement will need a key Rangers midfielder to stay
Jose Cifuentes has already left, Ryan Jack may follow when his contract expires, and Nico Raskin’s form has dipped significantly.
So, while the current numbers in the Ibrox midfield may be misleading, losing Lundstram would be a blow.
Dujon Sterling’s emergence and Diomande’s excellent start in Glasgow ensure Clement won’t be left short, but with Lundstram, 30, starting almost every game for the Gers manager, it’s evident how vital the Merseysider is to him.
The wage bill will have to make sense, but given that the Englishman has stated that he would “love” to stay [Rangers Review, 3 January], it appears that a deal should not be too difficult, with the manager also expressing his hope that it can be done while revealing talks were ongoing [Daily Record, 20 January].
While prospective new midfield acquisitions are being connected ahead of the summer, the first focus should be avoiding undesirable exits, despite ongoing negotiations lasting many weeks.
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