Rangers have confirmed the departure of a number of Academy players as contracts expire this summer, including several names who’ve featured in the first team.
Lewis Budinauckas, Jay Hogarth, Jacob Pazikas, Jack Harkness, Kristian Webster, Leyton Grant, Kerr Robertson, Darren McInally, Grant Leitch, and Harry Weir will all now continue their footballing journey elsewhere.
Also moving on are Adam Devine, Cole McKinnon, and Archie Stevens – three players who made appearances at senior level in recent seasons and gave fans glimpses of their potential. All three leave with our thanks and best wishes for what lies ahead.
But while the club’s statement was respectful and appreciative, these departures once again raise some tough questions about the pathway from the Rangers Academy to the first team.
The Harsh Reality of Youth Development
As Rangers supporters, we’re always eager to see one of our own break through – players who’ve come through the ranks, grown up with the badge, and understand what it means to represent this club. But the success rate of Academy players making that leap remains frustratingly low.
The challenges are well documented. The gap between the Lowland League, where B-Team’s can currently compete, and the Scottish Premiership is vast. Leading to Rangers withdrawing their team. Rangers have experimented with friendly match programmes or attempted to loan players out. These approaches have not yet delivered enough first-team-ready talent.
When Do Promising Talents Become Missed Opportunities?
Many of the players now leaving are at the age where they should have been knocking on the door of regular first-team football. Training with the first team has increased – that much is clear – but competitive minutes remain scarce. That lack of game time in meaningful fixtures continues to stall development and, ultimately, leads to exits like these.
This isn’t just about the players leaving. It’s about the players still here – Bailey Rice, Robbie Fraser, Ross McCausland – and what kind of opportunities they will get next season. It’s about the message we send to the next group coming through the ranks.
A Change on the Horizon?
There is, however, hope that a shift in focus is coming. Rangers are expected to appoint a new Academy Director this summer, with Everton’s Gareth Prosser strongly linked to the role. Prosser is someone with experience in player development at a high level and could signal a much-needed step change in our Academy approach.
Whoever is appointed must be given the support and authority to review and reshape how we transition youth talent into the first team. That includes everything from development fixtures to loan strategies, from coaching continuity to accountability on player progression.
Final Thoughts
We wish all the departing players the best – they’ve all worn the badge and represented the club with professionalism. But this summer should also be a turning point. Rangers can’t afford to keep seeing youth talent stall out. The fans want to see more from the Academy – and not just in press releases, but on the pitch at Ibrox.