Philippe Clement’s frustrations with Rangers’ contract strategy have become increasingly evident, and he has every reason to be concerned. The Ibrox club has developed a troubling habit of mismanaging player contracts, allowing key assets to run down their deals and either hold the club to ransom for improved terms or depart for free. It’s a pattern that has cost Rangers significantly in both financial and footballing terms, leaving them in a constant cycle of rebuilding rather than strengthening. Clement, who took charge midway through the season, has inherited the fallout of this approach, with Rangers downsizing in the summer and undergoing yet another squad overhaul to bring in younger, more sustainable signings.

Despite the supposed shift in strategy, however, the same issues continue to linger in the background. Rangers still have several first-team players approaching the end of their contracts, with no clear resolution in sight. Ianis Hagi, for example, is in the final months of his deal, and while the Romanian playmaker has been a talented asset in flashes, contract negotiations have stalled due to his high wage demands. Unless there is a significant breakthrough soon, he looks set to leave Ibrox at the end of the season, meaning Rangers will once again lose a player without receiving a transfer fee.

Similarly, Tom Lawrence is another player expected to depart in the summer. His three-year spell at Rangers has been marred by persistent injury problems, preventing him from making the kind of impact that was hoped for when he first arrived. While his departure would not come as a huge shock, it adds to the overall sense of instability within the squad—an issue that has plagued Rangers for years.

However, perhaps the biggest concern of all is the situation surrounding John Souttar. The Scotland international has emerged as a vital part of Rangers’ defensive setup, establishing himself as a key figure under Clement. His importance to the team has only grown in recent months, making his contract situation a pressing issue for the club. Yet, despite reports last August that he was close to signing a new deal, no agreement has been announced, and he now finds himself in the final 18 months of his contract.

For Rangers, this presents a significant dilemma. If they fail to agree on a new contract before the end of the current season, they risk heading into the summer with a player who could soon be entering the final year of his deal. This is precisely the type of scenario that has hurt Rangers in the past, forcing them into uncomfortable decisions regarding whether to sell a key player for a cut-price fee or hold onto him and risk losing him for nothing the following year.

There is also the question of how much leverage Souttar will have in negotiations. If Rangers allow his contract to run down further, the power in discussions shifts towards the player and his representatives. Clubs from England or abroad could begin to show interest, potentially driving up his wage demands. Given Rangers’ financial constraints, they may find themselves in a difficult position where they either have to meet those demands or reluctantly consider selling him to avoid a repeat of previous contract failures.

The arrival of a new sporting director at Ibrox will be a pivotal moment for the club, and one of their first major responsibilities will be to sort out the contract situation of key players like Souttar. Ensuring his long-term future at Rangers should be an immediate priority. A new deal for the centre-back would not only provide defensive stability but also serve as a statement of intent, showing that the club is learning from past mistakes and taking a more proactive approach to squad management. This is the kind of move that would win over both the fans and the dressing room, offering a sense of continuity at a time when Rangers desperately need it.

Philippe Clement has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the way Rangers have handled player contracts in recent years. His comments suggest that he wants to put an end to the cycle of players running down their deals and leaving for free, forcing the club into rushed replacements every summer. Rangers cannot afford to keep making the same mistakes. If they fail to tie down Souttar to a new contract, they could once again find themselves scrambling in the transfer market, searching for a replacement at a time when they should be focusing on improving the squad rather than patching up holes.

This summer will be a major test of Rangers’ ability to break away from past mismanagement and take a step towards a more sustainable future. How they handle John Souttar’s contract situation will be a key indicator of whether or not they have truly learned from their mistakes. If they fail to act decisively, they could be setting themselves up for yet another avoidable crisis.