The Glasgow Rangers have had an incredible comeback under Philippe Clement. Their most recent 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 against Benfica demonstrated how far they have progressed since the Belgian took over.
The Light Blues would have lost the game under Michael Beale, but in recent months, the team has adopted a never-say-die attitude.
Despite having to change up their starting lineup due to Rangers’ four winger absence, Clement’s team still won in Lisbon, and they have a great chance to advance to the quarterfinals going into the second leg.
It’s amazing how this team, which was on its knees six months ago, has turned into one that has the potential to win three trophies, especially when you take into account the team the 49-year-old coach took over.
A number of players fall short of the necessary standards, and some of them—defender Ben Davies foremost among them—are paid absurdly exorbitant salaries.
Furthermore, the former center back for Liverpool is making more money than a number of well-known first team players, like Todd Cantwell.
Ben Davies’s salary at Rangers
In an attempt to strengthen his defense ahead of the upcoming campaign, Giovanni van Bronckhorst signed Davies to a £4 million agreement with the Light Blues during the summer transfer window of 2022.
In addition, the 28-year-old had a salary of £27k a week, making him one of the highest paid players at the team.
Since the transfer has not gone as planned, Clement may decide to let him go this summer in order to earn money for other goals.
Rangers statistics for Ben Davies
Davies played 38 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox, but he struggled with injuries in the early going and only started 11 games until Van Bronckhorst was fired in November 2022.
The Gers gave up 12 goals during his three starts in the Champions League. Davies finished the season ranked 14th in the squad for tackles per game (one), sixth for possession lost per game (10.3), and 18th for average Sofascore rating (6.23), all of which were indicative of his subpar play as the Light Blues faltered in Europe’s top club competition.
The defender committed errors at home as well; the most significant one occurred in a pivotal Premiership match in April 2023 against Celtic.
Rangers’ chances of winning the league title would have been severely damaged by anything less than a victory. After a long ball was delivered over the top of the Gers defense and Davies failed to clear it, Celtic scored their second goal, tying the score at one.
The media criticized this error, with former Rangers forward Kenny Miller saying:
“What a fantastic conclusion. He’s alive, aware, and vicious when the opportunity arises once more. But Ben Davies’ work is just subpar. He ought to be going there right now.
Only six of Davies’ 12 appearances this season have come under Clement, indicating that he is clearly not in his long-term plans.
The future of Ben Davies at Rangers is uncertain.
Stoke City expressed interest in the center-back after the 2022–2023 season, however it was later disclosed that Davies would not be sold until the 2023–2024 season.
The former Liverpool star was even offered a loan to return to the south by Stoke City, but the Gers turned it down just before the summer window closed last year, so he stayed in Glasgow.
Since his contract doesn’t expire until 2026, Clement may be able to trade him this summer for a respectable transfer fee.
In addition, when his wages and transfer fee are combined, Davies has cost the team £6.4 million throughout his time there, and this amount will only go up till he leaves.
Given that he makes more money than Cantwell, his departure will also reduce the amount of money that must be paid for new hires.
Todd Cantwell’s salary at the Rangers
At the Ibrox side, the former Norwich City wonder currently makes £22k a week, which is £5k less than Davies currently makes.
It’s difficult to accept that Davies is currently making more money than the midfielder, given how crucial he has grown under Clement in the last few months.
This season’s Rangers statistics for Todd Cantwell
Despite having a poor start to the season—he didn’t score his first goal until November—the Englishman’s campaign appeared to be sparked by this.
Cantwell has scored five goals and provided two assists since his outstanding performance against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, where Clement has started him in his preferred No. 10 position.
Cantwell is an important member of the team as seen by his current Premiership rankings, where he is fourth among the squad for goals and assists (eight), fifth for major chances created (four), fourth for crucial passes made per game (1.6), and fifth for successful dribbles made per game (1.1).
Due to a hamstring injury, he has missed the past four games. The sooner Clement can get him back in the starting lineup, the better, especially since the upcoming games will come thick and fast.
The Light Blues are in a great position to win three domestic titles this season, but a lot will rely on how far they go in Europe, since that might ruin their hopes at home.
Despite having only appeared in 12 games this season, Davies’ long-term future at Ibrox under the Belgian coach does not appear bright, though he may be needed in the closing months if injuries arise.
He is currently the team’s third-highest earner, which says volumes about past managers’ incompetence in the transfer market.
Hopefully, Clement will stick to his more youth-focused approach to new recruits when the summer transfer window starts in a few months.
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