Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield may feel unfortunate not to have been offered a new contract by Rangers manager Michael Beale, according to former player Alex Rae. Last month, the club confirmed that Arfield, along with several other first-team players, would be leaving when their contracts expired at the end of the season.
Beale, while acknowledging the emotional aspect of the decision, stated that both the player and the club had reached the best decision after five seasons and over 200 appearances for Rangers. In an interview with the Scottish Sun, Rae, now a BT Sport pundit, expressed his views on the matter.
“I’m pleased Ryan [Kent] got an extension, although Scotty Arfield might feel a bit hard done by,” Rae commented. “He scored nine goals last season and wasn’t a regular starter, but the manager obviously wanted to change things around.”
Rae also emphasized the importance of having players with a deep understanding of the club, citing Celtic as an example. “They need that at Ibrox to help the new boys understand what it means to be a Rangers player,” he added. “The Old Firm are unique clubs, the fans are passionate but demanding, and you need to know how to handle that.”
While Arfield’s performance last season was commendable, the natural progression of the club necessitated making room for the emergence of young talents. To compete with Celtic for the Scottish Premiership title in the upcoming season, significant changes will be required, as acknowledged by Beale.
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The aging look of the Gers’ first-team squad last year was a clear concern that the English coach aims to address in the coming months. Beale has already made moves in the transfer market.
There appears to be a definitive transfer strategy in place at Rangers, characterized by a desire to rejuvenate the squad by replacing older players with promising young talents. While Arfield’s departure may be disappointing for some fans, he will undoubtedly be remembered as a Rangers legend, and supporters will wish him the best in the next phase of his career.