Rangers have already made moves heading into next season and one of their biggest prodigies is set to sign a long-term deal at Ibrox
HIGHLIGHTS
- Alexander Smith is close to a professional deal with Rangers, with the club fending off interest from Premier League clubs and the MLS.
- Smith could potentially join Rangers’ first-team in pre-season despite limited youth opportunities at Ibrox in recent seasons.
- The 15-year-old midfielder has sparked interest from Arsenal and other clubs, though he is set to stay at Rangers to continue his development journey.
Rangers have received a timely boost to their pre-season plans as manager Philippe Clement aims to strengthen his ranks ahead of another gruelling season in which he will aim to win the Scottish Premiership title. Youngster Alexander Smith is ‘close’ to agreeing a deal to stay at the club, according to reports.
The Gers missed out on the Premiership title due to a collapse towards the end of the season. They lost to Ross County and dropped points away at Dundee before losing to Celtic in the final Old Firm league clash of the campaign. This resulted in a disappointing end to the season. The focus now shifts to the forthcoming season, with Jefte already confirmed as a new signing. Smith will also sign a professional contract with the club.
Alexander Smith: Rangers Contract Latest
Rangers have reportedly agreed a professional contract with Smith
According to Fabrizio Romano, Smith is ‘near’ to signing his first professional deal with the club, which will last until June 2017.
The Gers have reportedly fought off’strong’ interest from Premier League clubs and the MLS to keep him at Ibrox – Smith is eligible for both the USA and Scotland national teams – and his stay has become a primary priority for the Rangers board and Clement.
Smith represented the United States at the under-15 level, but having grown up in Glasgow, Tartan Army officials will be aiming to secure his place in the senior squad if he continues to progress.
| Rangers’s Scottish Premiership statistics – Divisional ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Wins | 27 | 2nd |
| Losses | 7 | 2nd |
| Goals Scored | 87 | 2nd |
| Goals Conceded | 30 | 2nd |
| xG | 84.29 | 2nd |
| Statistics via WhoScored – Correct as of 28/05/2024 | ||
The 15-year-old has been one of the leading players for the Gers’ youth setup and had received interest from Arsenal back in February, looking to follow in the footsteps of Billy Gilmour and Rory Wilson.
The duo left Milngavie for Chelsea and Aston Villa before making a first-team appearance at Ibrox. With Rangers only eligible for a six-figure sum for Smith, there may be concerns within the club. Smith turns 16 next month, and he will be ready to sign his professional contract on that date.
Rangers Youth Products Can Blossom with First-Team Minutes
Rangers haven’t been overly prolific in youth terms in recent years
In recent seasons, the Gers have given young players very few opportunities. Only Robby McCrorie, 26, has made six league appearances for the club, while Alex Lowry, Leon King, and Ross McCausland have played in the first team on a regular basis.
McCausland excelled last season, scoring four goals in 39 games from out wide in a solid breakthrough campaign for the Ibrox club, and he will want to build on that the following season.
Rangers won their third major prize since returning to the top-flight in 2016, winning the League Cup against Aberdeen in December.
Rangers hope Smith, who turns 16 in late June, can break the mold. He could join the first-team in pre-season if Clement chooses to include him in a squad that will lose Ryan Jack and John Lundstram, whose contracts expire at the end of this week.
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