With the first wave of exits already confirmed, attention now turns to the next phase of Rangers’ squad overhaul — and the players whose futures remain in serious doubt.
New leadership under 49ers Enterprises and a fresh managerial direction means there’s little room for sentiment. A tighter, more effective squad is the goal — and that means further departures are almost inevitable.
Here are the names firmly in the frame to be moved on next. In no particular order.
🇦🇱 Nedim Bajrami – Trusted role, but not the right fit?
When Nedim Bajrami arrived from Sassuolo for £3.5 million, Rangers fans hoped they were getting a dynamic, creative midfielder ready to make a serious impact. For the first few weeks, it looked promising — he carried the ball well, pressed aggressively, and linked play with confidence. He even scored a few of goals.
But that spark faded fast.
In the recent Old Firm clashes, Bajrami was deployed with a very specific instruction: stick tight to Callum McGregor and limit his influence. To his credit, he did that job well. His off-the-ball discipline and tactical focus haven’t gone unnoticed — and in isolation, those performances were a success.
But the problem is: Rangers didn’t sign him to be a man-marker. With Todd Cantwell leaving and Ianis Hagi effectively frozen out at the time, the team badly needed someone to create and convert chances in key moments — and Bajrami simply hasn’t filled that void. He has just one goal and a handful of assists to show for his time at Ibrox.
There’s also a growing feeling among supporters that the jersey may just be too heavy for him. Whether it’s the pressure, the environment, or difficulty settling in Glasgow, he’s looked like a player going through the motions rather than stamping his mark.
With interest from clubs in Italy and Germany, Rangers may be tempted to cut their losses — especially if it frees up funds and space for someone more suited to the demands of this rebuild.
Verdict: Likely departure – wrong player, wrong moment
🏴 Rabbi Matondo – Early excitement fades to frustration
When Rabbi Matondo first arrived at Ibrox, there was a real buzz among Rangers fans. He brought one thing the squad sorely lacked — raw pace. Lightning fast and fearless, Matondo looked like the kind of player who could tear past defenders and give Rangers a new dimension on the counter.
For a moment, it looked like the missing piece had been found. He would bomb down the wing, stretch back lines, and had the crowd on their feet. But that early promise quickly gave way to a frustrating pattern: poor decision-making in the final third, wasteful finishing, and a final ball that too often let him down.
Then came the injuries — and plenty of them. Stop-start fitness meant he never had a chance to build momentum or confidence. A loan move to Hannover 96 in the German second tier was meant to fix that: a chance to get regular minutes, regain form, and attract interest.
Instead, it’s only deepened concerns.
Matondo made just 10 appearances for the Bundesliga 2 side, scoring once on his debut before fading from contention. Far from putting himself in the shop window, he’s looked off the pace and low on confidence — and any hope of recouping a fee even close to what Rangers paid has all but vanished.
With just over a year left on his contract and reportedly among the higher earners at the club, Rangers are in a bind. He’s unlikely to attract serious offers, and any move will probably require the player to accept a drop in wages — not a simple negotiation.
Unless a buyer emerges willing to take a chance, there’s a growing risk that Matondo may simply sit tight, run down his deal, and see what’s available next summer.
Verdict: Unwanted, but may stay by default – a costly gamble gone wrong
🛫 Ben Davies – A move that started well, but never fully worked out
When Ben Davies signed from Liverpool in 2022, there was a fair amount of optimism surrounding the deal. He might not have made a first-team appearance at Anfield, but he had done enough at Preston to attract the attention of one of the Premier League’s elite. It wasn’t unreasonable to think Rangers had picked up a composed, ball-playing centre-back ready to thrive in Scotland.
And on the ball, he did tick a lot of boxes. Calm under pressure, a decent range of passing, good positional awareness — Davies looked technically sound and seemed like a smart signing on paper.
But Scottish football doesn’t just test your technique. It tests your physicality — week in, week out — and that’s where Davies started to come unstuck.
He struggled in aerial duels, often found himself bullied by big, aggressive strikers, and rarely looked dominant when Rangers were under pressure. In a league where physical presence is essential for defenders, his inability to command his area began to erode confidence — both among fans and teammates. As the mistakes crept in, the crowd grew restless, and his performances became increasingly tentative.
A loan move to Birmingham City this past season has been exactly what he needed. With less pressure, a different style of football, and a run of consistent starts, Davies found his rhythm again. He helped Birmingham cruise to the League One title and has received praise from manager Chris Davies and supporters alike.
Surprisingly, both Davies and Kieran Dowell were included on Birmingham’s recent release list — a move which raised eyebrows. But that doesn’t tell the full story. With the transfer window about to open, it’s widely expected that Birmingham may still return with an offer once formal business begins. If that happens, Davies would get a chance to return to a settled squad preparing for Championship football — and Rangers would get a chance to quietly close the chapter.
Verdict: Likely to leave – and this time for good.
🧳 Kieran Dowell – A promising start overshadowed by setbacks
Kieran Dowell arrived at Rangers in May 2023 with considerable expectations. Having previously showcased his talents at Norwich City and as part of England’s youth setup, fans anticipated that his technical skills and attacking prowess would add a new dimension to Rangers’ midfield.
Initially, Dowell displayed glimpses of his potential, contributing two goals in his first 12 Premiership appearances. However, his momentum was disrupted by injuries, including a significant foot injury in January 2024 that sidelined him for approximately 78 days. These setbacks limited his ability to establish a consistent presence in the team.
In search of regular playing time, Dowell joined Birmingham City on loan in January 2025. His impact was immediate and positive; he scored five goals and provided five assists in 22 appearances, playing a pivotal role in Birmingham’s successful campaign to secure the League One title. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Birmingham City expressing interest in making his move permanent. Reports suggest that a combined £3.5 million deal for both Dowell and fellow loanee Ben Davies is under consideration.
Despite his resurgence at Birmingham, Dowell’s future at Rangers remains uncertain. With the club undergoing a significant squad overhaul, it appears likely that he may seek opportunities elsewhere to continue his career.
Verdict: Likely departure – a fresh start may benefit both player and club
🔚 Final Thoughts: Trimming the Squad, Easing the Wage Bill
Of all the potential departures, Kieran Dowell and Ben Davies appear the most straightforward. Their successful loan spells at Birmingham and the club’s admiration for both players point to a likely return to the Midlands — even if they were included on the recent release list. A permanent move still seems very much on the cards once the transfer window opens.
Nedim Bajrami looks destined to leave too, though Rangers will almost certainly take a financial hit. He hasn’t lived up to expectations at Ibrox, but his previous pedigree in Italy may help the club find a buyer. Early interest from Serie A and the Bundesliga suggests there’s still a market for him — and a fresh start might be best for all parties.
The most concerning case remains Rabbi Matondo. With poor form, a history of injuries, and a sizable wage packet, it’s difficult to imagine a club matching his current salary. Rangers may struggle to shift him without the player accepting a pay cut — something that may not appeal. Unless that changes, Matondo could end up sitting out the final year of his deal, contributing little and consuming valuable wage budget.
If Rangers want to enter this new era leaner, hungrier, and more competitive — these are the kinds of decisions that will define the rebuild.
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