As the summer transfer window draws to a close, it appears that Ben Davies is on the verge of sealing a move to Birmingham City, marking the latest departure from Ibrox. The Englishman, who joined Rangers from Liverpool two seasons ago, is set to join the League One side on a loan deal, a move that feels somewhat inevitable given his current standing at the club under Philippe Clement. While some might view Davies’ exit as unremarkable, it’s worth reflecting on his time at Rangers with a balanced perspective.
A Defender Who Deserved Better Recognition
Ben Davies arrived at Ibrox with a price tag of £4 million and the expectation that he could solidify the Rangers backline. While he may not have lived up to the lofty expectations set by some fans, it’s important not to label him as a failure. Davies was, in many ways, a steady presence at the back. He wasn’t the type of player who would grab headlines with last-ditch tackles or towering headers, but he brought a degree of calmness and composure when on the ball—a trait that’s often underappreciated in the heart of the defense.
In the games Davies played, he looked OK—never exceptional, just OK. He was reliable with the ball at his feet, and his ability to play out from the back was evident. However, Rangers often found themselves in need of something more basic yet crucial: a defender who could dominate in the air and provide sheer physicality. Unfortunately, these weren’t Davies’ strongest qualities, and this mismatch between his skill set and the team’s needs perhaps contributed to his struggles to make a lasting impact.
A Tale of Two Defenders: Davies vs. Souttar
It’s interesting to compare Davies’ time at Rangers with that of John Souttar. While both players had their ups and downs, it often felt like Davies was on the receiving end of more criticism from the Ibrox faithful. Some of this could be attributed to Souttar’s status as a Scottish player at a time when fans were clamouring for more homegrown talent. There was a sense that Souttar was given more leeway, even when his performances mirrored the inconsistency that Davies faced.
Was this fair? Probably not. Davies, after all, never hid on the pitch. He always tried to play his game, and while it didn’t always click, he didn’t shy away from responsibility. It’s easy to be harsh on players who don’t fit the mould of what a team needs at a given moment, but that shouldn’t overshadow the qualities they did bring to the squad.
Wishing Davies Well at Birmingham City
As Ben Davies prepares to embark on a new chapter with Birmingham City, there’s no doubt he has the tools to do well in League One. The move could be exactly what he needs—a chance to rebuild his confidence and play a central role in a team looking for promotion. Chris Davies at Birmingham will likely appreciate what Ben brings to the table, and in a different environment, we might see the best of him.
So, as we say farewell to another player this summer, let’s not remember Ben Davies for what he wasn’t. Instead, let’s acknowledge what he was—a solid, ball-playing defender who, while not a perfect fit for Rangers, gave his best in challenging circumstances. Here’s hoping he thrives at Birmingham, and if he does, we can take some pride in knowing that Ibrox was part of his journey.
Good luck, Ben. We wish you all the best.