All posts by z3u9t.icu

Matty Cash, Tyrone Mings and Douglas Luiz all struggled for Aston Villa in their 1-1 Premier League draw against Crystal Palace today. 

After a goalless first half, Villa took the lead through a smart Ollie Watkins effort following an inch-perfect Lucas Digne delivery. However, the visitors struck back through Jeffrey Schlupp to leave Steven Gerrard’s side with just a point from their penultimate home game of the season.

Following this result, the Villans remain 12th in the table with just two matches remaining, including a pivotal final day showdown against title contenders Manchester City.

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Using Sofascore, we’ve taken an in-depth delve into the statistics to decipher which three outfield players struggled the most for Gerrard’s charges. Only those who played for more than 45 minutes are eligible for classification.

Matty Cash (6.9)

One of the shining lights for Villa this season, the 24-year-old Cash was a bit below-par here as Gerrard’s men stutter towards the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Poland international lost two duels, gave away possession 20 times and misplaced his only two attempts at a cross, along with 10 of his 11 long passes.

He tied with Danny Ings with a 6.9 rating, but whereas the striker featured for just 71 minutes, Cash had the entire game to prove himself, hence his inclusion here.

Douglas Luiz (6.6)

It was not the Brazilian midfielder’s finest performance in a Villa shirt as the 24-year-old lost possession 10 times on an afternoon when the hosts couldn’t get into full flow.

The usually reliable defensive midfield general also gave away two fouls, lost possession 10 times, misplaced five passes and lost five out of his six duels on an afternoon that he will want to put behind him.

Tyrone Mings (6.6)

With the centre-back’s role as club captain under question for next season, this wasn’t a display which will live long in the memory of Mings as the England defender attempts to retain the armband.

The 29-year-old failed to find a team-mate with seven passes, lost out on three duels and gave the ball away on eight occasions whilst also being booked during the 1-1 draw.

In other news: NSWE now close to agreeing deal for another midfielder alongside Coutinho

Everton will travel to Vicarage Road this evening to attempt to stop themselves from suffering the same fate as their opponents as their battle against relegation rolls on, and Frank Lampard has been given a major injury boost ahead of the clash.

What’s the latest?

Roy Hodgson took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the Everton game to confirm that there will likely be a number of changes to his team on Wednesday night, claiming that the squad were in the middle of an injury crisis.

Hodgson told the press (via Watford Official):

“I was hoping to play a similar team, but we’ve lost so many players that we find ourselves in the middle of an injury crisis.

The club website further confirmed that doubts are on Tom Cleverley, Kiko Femenía, Joshua King, Ismaïla Sarr, Emmanuel Dennis and Shaq Forde.

Players who are definitely unavailable are Juraj Kucka (knee), Cucho Hernández (hamstring), and Nicolas Nkoulou (minor groin problem).

Lampard will be thrilled

The Everton manager will surely be delighted that Watford will potentially play a weaker than usual team this evening, especially since he has injury problems of his own to key players.

Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Donny van de Beek have all been ruled out of the fixture, with the two defenders, in particular, a huge loss for Lampard as they have both been positively influential in the backline over the season.

Michael Keane and Mason Holgate will be available to play in the centre-back partnership and with a weakened Watford side should be able to protect their line effectively to secure Everton more points in their endeavour to survive relegation this season.

The Toffees have won three and drawn one of their last five games, and are currently 16th in the Premier League table ahead of Leeds United and Burnley, with one game in hand on their relegation rivals and the potential of picking up a maximum of 12 points over the next four games.

Lampard will hope that his team can continue the momentum in their final push for survival in the top flight by taking three more points this evening which would steer them into further safety and take the pressure off the Evertonians ahead of the end of the season.

Considering Watford’s ropey looking squad, they have every chance of sealing yet another vital win.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Everton dealt big injury setback ahead of Watford, Lampard will be gutted

It is no secret that Arsenal have long benefitted from their ability to produce outstanding young talent, with the club’s academy continually churning out potential prospects.

Not only is the talent there – nurtured and fostered by the Gunners youth system – but there is also a clear pathway into the first-team, evidenced by the recent emergence of both Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka.

While the duo have taken different routes to becoming regular starters – with Smith Rowe enduring a learning curve out on loan at both RB Leipzig and Huddersfield Town – their rapid development has been a benefit to all concerned, with the two starlets having also already forced their way into Gareth Southgate’s England plans.

Not satisfied with those success stories, however, the north Londoners will be eyeing that next fledgling talent who can step into the limelight from the youth team, with 20-year-old centre-back Omar Rekik potentially the next to do so.

Much has been made of the ability of current Marseille loanee William Saliba, although with the Frenchman currently on his third temporary stint away from the Emirates, doubts remain over whether he has the backing of manager Mikel Arteta.

Should the club wish to cash in on the 21-year-old this summer, then in Rekik the Gunners boss has a perfect alternative, with the former Manchester City youngster potentially the next name on the seemingly never-ending conveyor belt of talent.

Having been signed on a £540k deal from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin back in January 2021, the Netherlands born gem is yet to feature in the first-team, although has done enough already to catch the eye at youth level, with Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley recently lavishing him with praise.

Speaking about the central defender – whose brother Karim plays for Sevilla – earlier this season, Cowley said of the youngster that: “Omar [Rekik] is a centre-half who I watched at Bournemouth a few weeks ago.

“He’s technically very good with a lovely range of passing and he breaks his lines taking real responsibility on the ball. He looks a talented player.”

Speaking further about the current crop coming through the ranks at Hale End, the club’s Head of Emerging Talent Yousuf Sajjad called him “exciting”.

A move to Championship outfit Stoke City was touted in January, only to collapse on deadline day, albeit with that interest suggesting that it is not just those inside London Colney who are getting excited about his quality.

Equally, despite his lack of senior action thus far at club level, he has already made three appearances for the Tunisian national team, notably making two brief outings at this year’s AFCON tournament back in the winter.

The signs are there that Arteta has a real prospect on his hands, all the Spaniard needs to do now is put some faith in him.

IN other news, Vieira 2.0: Arsenal gifted chance to sign “top-class” £25m ace, he could guarantee UCL…

Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse could stay at St Mary’s for the rest of his playing career, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Ward-Prowse committed to Saints

The 27-year-old committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year deal last summer and has been in scintillating form this season, having netted ten goals and registered eight assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

The Saints star was heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa at the end of last season, with Manchester United also believed to be interested in securing his services.

However, whilst plenty of speculation is expected during the upcoming transfer window, Jones can’t imagine Ward-Prowse ever leaving his boyhood club.

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The Latest: Jones makes big Ward-Prowse prediction

When asked about the ten-cap England international’s future under Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton, the transfer insider made a rather big claim.

He told GiveMeSport: “I don’t know if James Ward-Prowse is ever going to leave Southampton. It feels to me like he’s not.”

The Verdict: Repaying the faith

Even if the opportunity arose to join a fellow Premier League club in order to compete at European level, you couldn’t argue if the £28.8m-rated talisman decides that he wanted to finish his career with Southampton after everything that they have done for him.

The Saints made Ward-Prowse captain of the club, which gave him the platform to make the breakthrough into Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

The local maestro, who has been hailed by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as one of “the best” free-kick takers in the world, is clearly a fan favourite at St Mary’s, having recently picked up three trophies at the Saints’ end of season awards. Therefore, it sounds like it would take a lot for prospective suitors to try and prise him away from his beloved Southampton in the coming months.

In other news… Southampton are reportedly keen on signing a new shot-stopper this summer

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a move for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, with the Elland Road outfit believed to have named their price for the Englishman.

What’s the word?

According to the Mail, Steven Gerrard and co are ‘monitoring’ the situation regarding the player, with the 26-year-old potentially set to demand an improved contract, with just two years left to run on his existing deal.

The report suggests that the 19-cap international could command upwards of £100k-per-week due to his displays for both club and country, with Jesse Marsch’s side potentially set to cash in should they be unable to afford that figure – with a fee of around £60m possibly tempting them into a sale.

Villa have also received a boost as the report outlines that the Leeds academy graduate is set to reject a move to Manchester United, despite the Red Devils’ interest, owing to the intense rivalry between those two clubs making such a switch highly controversial.

Barry 2.0

Should the Midlands-based side manage to get their man this summer, he could well prove to be a particularly astute purchase, with the club currently crying out for more midfield additions.

While the likes of Douglas Luiz, John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey have impressed in the centre of the park, there is little depth beyond that trio, with former Marseille man Morgan Sanson having struggled to adjust to the rigours of English football.

Equally, while Luiz usually slots in as the deepest of the three, the Brazilian is perhaps not an ideal fit as a holding midfielder, with Phillips – who has been dubbed “immense” by compatriot Marcus Rashford – offering a more defensive-minded presence in front of the back four.

Despite missing a large portion of the campaign through injury, the 5 foot 10 gem has still managed to showcase his talents for the Yorkshire outfit, registering 1.2 interceptions and 2.6 tackles per game thus far, while he also ranks in the top 2% for blocks and the top 1% for pressures made among players in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

The £45m-rated midfield “destroyer” – as he was labelled by former Three Lions boss Steve McClaren – seemingly offers a neat comparison to former Villa and England star Gareth Barry, with the Premier League’s all-time appearance maker having forged a career as a defensive midfielder who could do a bit of everything, much like Phillips.

The 41-year-old spent the first 11 years of his senior career at Villa Park, making 436 appearances in all competitions and earning the club captaincy towards the latter end of his spell, before he was swept up among the wave of new signings during the early Sheik Mansour era at Manchester City.

As noted by his former teammate Ian Taylor, Barry was “Mr Reliable” both at Villa and throughout his playing career, with the current crop seemingly in need of a steady, calming presence at the base of the midfield.

That composed figure could well be that of the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, with sporting director Johan Lange needing to get his chequebook out to snap him up in the upcoming transfer window.

In other news, “Gerrard really keen..“: Preece drops exciting Villa transfer claim, Lange must pounce

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been dealt another injury worry ahead of his side’s looming North London derby clash with Arsenal this weekend.

Spurs travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face their table-topping rivals in what promises to be a pivotal encounter, but Frank faces a mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail his side’s chances.

While it is still early doors, The Lilywhites appear to be pushing for a top-four place, and are currently sitting fifth with five wins, three draws, and three losses from 11 Premier League matches. Their form has been inconsistent, especially in a creative sense, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six fixtures, with Frank still yet to get the best out of his squad on a consistent enough basis.

The injury situation ahead of the derby is particularly concerning. Frank confirmed that Cristian Romero should be available after being substituted late on against Man United due to fatigue, with the Dane stating he was “just done physically” after recently returning from injury.

Even more positively, Frank expressed real belief that Mohammed Kudus will be available, saying he is “very confident” despite missing recent matches against FC Copenhagen and Man United with a minor knock. Kudus even elected to stay in London and not represent Ghana in friendlies against Japan and South Korea to focus on his recovery.

However, they still face significant absences elsewhere.

James Maddison’s ACL injury may rule him out until summer 2026, while Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma continue rehabilitation from knee and ankle problems respectively. Radu Dragusin took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly over the international break as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury, so it’s very unlikely he’ll be fit enough to take part, and there are numerous other concerns.

Injury-plagued striker Dominic Solanke is also ‘unlikely’ to feature this weekend, according to reports, as he carries on battling an ankle problem after minor surgery.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Excluding their Carabao Cup win at the Emirates in 2018, Tottenham have won away to Arsenal just twice since the Premier League’s inception, with their last one in the top flight coming 14 years ago.

Tottenham’s torrid record against Arsenal on enemy turf makes for pretty grim reading as a Spurs supporter, so Frank will be hoping to have as many key players fit for the derby as possible.

Tottenham dealt another injury worry as Pape Sarr picks up 'knock'

On international duty, midfielder Pape Sarr dealt Frank another worry after he was taken off in Senegal’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil at the Emirates.

Initially, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw predicted that it wasn’t a ‘big deal’, but he’s since provided another update.

Thiaw has confirmed that Sarr did not travel with the squad to Turkey for their friendly against Kenya, instead remaining in the English capital. The manager explains that Sarr has in fact picked up a ‘knock’, which prompted them to leave him in London to undergo treatment at N17.

The midfielder’s potential absence this weekend would represent another significant blow for Frank, who already faces being without numerous key players for the derby. Sarr has already played 16 matches for Tottenham this season, bagging two goals and two assists in the top flight whilst establishing himself as a regular in Frank’s setup.

The timing of the injury is far from ideal for Spurs, and it remains unclear whether the 23-year-old will be fit in time for their clash against the Gunners.

Tottenham’s medical team will now assess the extent of the knock, with Frank hoping for positive news as he prepares his depleted squad for one of the season’s most important fixtures.

And just like that, Arsenal have got their first win of their Champions League campaign.

The three points are ultimately what matter most, but it would be fair to say that Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t at their best against Athletic Bilbao this evening.

The North Londoners got their goals through Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, but up until the Brazilian slotted home in the 72nd minute, they underwhelmed.

Several players will have to up their game for the next match, but Arteta also has to make a few changes, notably no longer playing two specific stars together.

Arsenal's underwhelming stars

Now, it should be said that while we think several Arsenal starters didn’t put in strong performances today, none of them were terrible.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

After all, the Gunners were the better side and ultimately deserved all three points.

With that said, one of those who started the game that didn’t exactly light it up was Viktor Gyokeres.

There were moments in which the Swedish international showed his ability, be that by holding up the ball for his teammates or making a few well-timed runs, but that was pretty much it.

His job is to put the ball in the back of the net, and he ended up missing a few chances, including a header in the first half and then another in the second.

Minutes

65′

Expected Goals

0.47

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.01

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Shots off Target

3

Big Chances Missed

2

Touches

18

Accurate Passes

6/7 (86%)

Dribbles

0

Moreover, his statistics don’t make for pretty reading, as he made just six passes in 65 minutes, took three shots off target for his one that was on target, and officially missed two big chances.

The Stockholm-born monster wasn’t the only attacker to have a forgettable night, though.

Eberechi Eze also struggled to have much of an impact in Bilbao, coming off in the 71st minute with an expected assists figure of 0.11, just 19 completed passes and didn’t take a single shot.

However, while the two summer signings struggled to make an impact up top, there was a more significant problem elsewhere in the team, a problem stemming from a pairing Arteta must not start again.

The Arsenal duo who must not start again

While Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera once again showed Arteta why they can be an incredible pairing tonight, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino did the opposite.

Now the Englishman is an unquestionably world-class midfielder and has been one of the Gunners’ best players since joining the club in 2023.

Likewise, the Spaniard has proven his usefulness over the last year or so, but the manager needs to stop playing them in the midfield together, especially when Martin Zubimendi is at the base.

The reasons why are relatively straightforward: they don’t offer enough attacking threat, and at times can be exposed for lack of finesse.

For example, the pair produced a combined expected assist figure of 0.20 and a combined expected goals figure of just 0.05, which was all from the former Real Sociedad ace.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.05

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.04

Assists

0

Shots on Target

1

Big Chances Created

0

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Accurate Passes

21/28 (75%)

Dribbles

0

Possession Lost

12

Duels (Won)

13 (5)

Fouls

3

Although considering there was only one shot on target between them and one big chance created, those metrics are hardly surprising.

On top of lacking creativity and attacking thrust, the pairing was frustratingly loose with possession.

Minutes

96′

Expected Goals

0.00

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.20

Assists

0

Shots on Target

0

Ground Duels (Won)

4 (2)

Accurate Passes

47/58 (81%)

Possession Lost

13

Fouls

2

During their 96 minutes of action, they lost the ball a staggering 25 times, with the former West Ham United captain losing it 13 times and the La Roja star 12.

Unsurprisingly, given their middling performances, the pair received just a 5/10 match rating from the Sun’s Joshua Hall, which feels about right.

Ultimately, Arsenal were deserved winners tonight and can go into Wednesday’s game in good spirits, but a few changes still need to be made, and one of those is no longer playing Merino and Rice in the same midfield.

Arteta can make Eze better by benching Arsenal's "Player of the Season so far"

The incredible international could make Arsenal and Eze far more dangerous in the Champions League this evening.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 16, 2025

Liverpool’s transfer window this summer has been one for the ages – potentially going down as one of the biggest summers in the history of any side in England’s top-flight.

Before deadline day commenced, Arne Slot had already spent just shy of £300m, as he looked to build on his Premier League triumph during his debut campaign in the role.

Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitiké and Giovanni Leoni have all completed their respective moves to Anfield – subsequently bolstering all areas of the pitch.

It’s clear the hierarchy have wanted to back the Dutchman after his success in the early days of his tenure on Merseyside, but looks set to continue before tonight’s 7pm deadline.

Numerous players are still on the club’s radar, with Slot and the hierarchy needing to work rapidly to get deals completed before the summer window slams shut.

The latest on Liverpool’s deal to sign Guehi

In recent hours, Liverpool’s move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has progressed rapidly – leading to a £35m transfer being agreed between the two clubs.

It’s now been reported that the player is having his medical in London to complete his deal before the deadline, further improving the club’s already impressive backline.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player currently in their sights, with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers another talent the club are considering, according to journalist Matt Thielen.

He claims that the Reds are assessing a late move for the England international, especially after Harvey Elliott agreed a deal to join Unai Emery’s side earlier today.

Any deal would be an expensive one though, with his current employers currently demanding a fee in the region of £80m to offload one of their star men this summer.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be perfect for Isak

Alexander Isak looks set to be the most expensive player in English football history – with the saga for his move to join Liverpool finally set to come to a positive conclusion.

The Reds agreed a £125m fee with Newcastle United for the Swedish international’s signature late last night – subsequently joining for more than Wirtz did earlier in the window.

The 25-year-old has been on Merseyside all day completing his proposed transfer to join Slot’s side, with just a formal announcement left until the player’s transfer can be confirmed.

Despite the massive array of attacking talent already on the books, the Swede could be further bolstered in his attempts to be a success during his time at Anfield.

A move for Rogers would offer the club-record signing a further presence around him in the final third – with the England international having the tools to provide him with key opportunities in front of goal.

His stats from his time at Villa last season highlight the talent he possesses when in possession, with such a move being yet another statement of intent from the hierarchy.

Rogers, who has been labelled “phenomenal” by Lee Hendrie, registered 2.1 passes into the final third per 90 in the Premier League last season – highlighting his ability to progress the ball into dangerous areas.

Games played

37

Goals & assists

18

Passes into the final third

2.1

Carries into the final third

2.1

Take-on success

48%

Passes into the 18-yard box

1.7

Pass accuracy

77%

Successful dribbles

1.9

Such a tally would hugely benefit Isak upon his move to Anfield, subsequently allowing him to build on his impressive tally of 23 Premier League goals in 2024/25.

The Villa star also notched 2.1 carries into the final third per 90, achieving a 48% take-on success rate – subsequently able to drive with the ball into forward areas before teeing up the Swedish international.

The Englishman’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 1.7 passes into the opposition box per 90, further showcasing his sensational ability when transitioning the play in the opponent’s half.

£80m would be another mammoth transfer fee splashed by the Reds board, but it’s one that could make the side an unstoppable force – strengthening their grip on the current crown.

If he can replicate similar stats alongside Isak on Merseyside, the pair would be able to build a deadly partnership that would massively improve their title chances throughout 2025/26.

More vital than Isak: Key Liverpool target now ready for medical in London

Liverpool are looking to seal one more signature before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is fresh off the back of another fine season at Selhurst Park, and his stance on leaving this summer has now come to light amid interest from a host of London rivals.

Eze on a Crystal Palace high after FA Cup winner against Man City

Oliver Glasner guided Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of 2024/2025, with Eze scoring the winning goal as they overcame Premier League heavyweights Man City at Wembley to lift the FA Cup.

Talks held: Crystal Palace open discussions to sign UCL "gladiator" for £0

The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

The ex-QPR star etched himself into club folklore with his deft one-touch finish from inside the penalty area, a side-footed volley which will live long in the memory of Palace supporters, and the Eagles are set to compete in Europe next year as a result.

He was a key man for Glasner throughout the last campaign – registering 25 goal contributions across 43 appearances in all competitions (14 goals, 11 assists) – and Eze’s presence undoubtedly played a major role in cementing the Austrian’s status as Palace’s most successful manager in recent memory.

Eagles chairman Steve Parish recently confirmed that Glasner will remain at Selhurst, at least until the end of his contract, which expires in 2026, as club chiefs work to negotiate an extension.

“He (Glasner) will stay here, for some period of time,” Parish told reporters at the FA Cup final (via The Athletic).

“What happens in the future, the summer transfer window, players, is for tomorrow, but he’ll be here next year and we’ll take it from there.

“Of course we want him to stay but things happen in football, clubs evolve and move on and I’d love him to stay but the club has to develop and show the ambition in terms of the things we have to do to move it forward for people to feel part of something. If that all aligns maybe it will.”

As Glasner prepares for his second full season at Palace, there is little doubt that he’d prefer to keep hold of his star players, especially Eze.

However, the England international’s contract does include a £68 million release clause, which allows clubs to bypass negotiations with Palace and head straight to the player himself to discuss personal terms.

Eberechi Eze's stance on Crystal Palace exit amid Arsenal and Tottenham interest

The final decision will rest with Palace’s star player, and the prospect of success at more traditionally-elite English sides is a worrying temptation.

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Tottenham are expressing a serious interest, as are Man United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich.

However, the outlet shares some good news for Palace, namely Eze’s stance when it comes to drawing the curtain on a glittering career in south London.

It is believed that Eze is reluctant to push for a Palace exit this summer and is currently content right where he is, so the 26-year-old is in no hurry to pack his bags, despite holding ambitions to compete and win more trophies.

It is ultimately the task of Glasner and Parish to convince Eze that they can build upon this year’s FA Cup win and provide the attacking midfielder with a platform to showcase his ability at the highest level, which is easier said than done considering Palace face losing other key players.

Star defender Marc Guehi is attracting interest from Tottenham again heading into the summer window, with his contract expiring in 2026, while mainstay left-back Tyrick Mitchell has attracted interest from Arsenal as his deal expires in 2027.

There will be plenty of change at Ibrox this summer after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that several players will be moving on from the club ahead of next season.

A new head coach will also be in the dugout when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway, as the Light Blues have confirmed that Barry Ferguson will not be getting the job on a full-time basis after his interim spell.

As well as the Scottish interim boss, Rangers have revealed that three first-team players will be leaving Glasgow as free agents at the end of this month.

The Rangers players being released this summer

Rangers have announced that Tom Lawrence, Leon Balogun, and Ianis Hagi will not have their contracts renewed, making them free agents ahead of the summer transfer window.

They are three experienced operators who will be moving on from Ibrox, and two of them – Balogun and Hagi – were part of the 2020/21 title-winning campaign under Steven Gerrard.

Hagi, in particular, played a big role on the pitch this season with four goals and five assists in 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership after coming in from the cold.

These three stars are not the only experienced players who should be ruthlessly ditched by the 49ers, once the takeover is completed, and Kevin Thelwell this summer, however, as Robin Propper should also be on the chopping block.

Why Robin Propper should be sold this summer

The Gers swooped to sign the Dutch defender from FC Twente to bolster their backline in the summer transfer window last year after Connor Goldson moved on from Ibrox.

Unfortunately, the 31-year-old centre-back does not seem particularly suited to the physical nature of the Scottish Premiership, as opposition forwards have found it too easy against him at times.

Rangers only conceded nine goals in the 11 matches that he did not feature in and 32 in the 27 that he did play, which suggests that they were better defensively without him.

Appearances

30

27

Goals conceded

22

32

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

0.4x

Ground duel success rate

73%

62%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

64%

Fouls per game

0.7

0.9

As you can see in the table above, the Light Blues made their team worse by replacing Goldson with Propper, who has failed to offer more quality in the centre-back position, as shown by the stark contrast in goals conceded.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Back in December, pundit Neil McCann outlined how concerning Propper’s performances were in the Premiership. He said: “Propper is struggling. He’s been pretty vocal over the last couple of weeks that he’s finding it tough in our league. He’s been asked the question early on. It’s quite worrying when you see him struggling as bad as that. Look at the body language – he’s looking for a way out already.”

This is why the 49ers must ruthlessly axe the central defender from the squad in the summer transfer window, if there are any clubs interested in snapping him up, because he has not adjusted well to Scottish football.

Whilst he is not the only player in the defence, it is worrying that there has been a huge drop off in defensive form since he was signed to replace Goldson, and that the team has a better defensive record without Propper in the side.

Therefore, Rangers must move on from Propper in the summer transfer window after they have already made the ruthless decisions to release Balogun, Hagi, and Lawrence.

Rangers looking at "outstanding" English coach who's better than Gerrard

Rangers’ six-man managerial shortlist has been revealed, and the 49ers should hire an “outstanding” coach rather than going back to Steven Gerrard.

May 21, 2025