Rangers News Round-Up: Exit Twist for Ibrox Star as Former Player Calls for £3.5m Transfer Reversal

Rangers Could Reach Europa League Semi-Finals as Planning for Next Season Begins

Rangers stand on the brink of a significant achievement, with a place in the Europa League semi-finals within reach if they can overcome Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, 17 April.

Such progress would be extraordinary given the state of affairs when Barry Ferguson first took the reins.

As this season nears its conclusion, the club is already putting early plans in motion for the upcoming campaign.

This includes both summer transfer activity and the unresolved future of interim manager Ferguson.

Meanwhile, the pending takeover by the 49ers group remains incomplete, leaving some uncertainty lingering in the background.

Supercomputer Gives Grim Prediction for Rangers in Spain

In their recent outing, Ferguson’s men impressed with a spirited performance to secure a draw against Bilbao at Ibrox, despite several contentious refereeing decisions.

However, according to data-driven projections from the Opta supercomputer, the odds are not in their favour for the return leg in Spain.

The algorithm gives Rangers just a 14.3% chance of securing a win on the road, while Bilbao are favoured with a 68% probability of emerging victorious.

The likelihood of another draw stands at 17.7%, meaning the Scottish side will have to defy the odds to book their spot in the semi-finals.

Lovenkrands Slams Team Selection Against Aberdeen

Former Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands has openly criticised Ferguson’s decision to rotate heavily in the 2-2 draw with Aberdeen.

With the upcoming clash against Bilbao clearly influencing team selection, Ferguson opted to make nine changes to his starting XI.

Lovenkrands, speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club podcast on 14 April, questioned this approach, suggesting it reflects broader systemic issues at the club’s training base, Auchenhowie.

“I understand the logic, but personally, I wouldn’t have done that,” he said. “When you play for Rangers, the aim is to win every match.

I remember from my own playing days – you never wanted to be rested or miss any games.”

Boyd Recommends Cancelling Cortes Transfer

Kris Boyd has weighed in on the situation surrounding winger Oscar Cortes, urging the club to reconsider a previously agreed deal.

The Colombian has had limited involvement this season due to recurring injury issues, making just eight league appearances.

The 21-year-old is set to join Rangers permanently this summer in a deal worth £3.5 million.

However, speaking on the Go Ballistic podcast (15 April), Boyd suggested the club should explore options to exit the agreement. “They haven’t paid for him yet,” Boyd noted.

“It was good to see him return to action, but if there’s any chance Rangers can back out of this deal, they should seriously think about doing so.”

Hagi Linked with Bundesliga Move

Ianis Hagi’s future at Ibrox also appears uncertain. The Romanian international, whose contract is winding down, is reportedly attracting attention from two Bundesliga sides.

Adrian Ilie, a former teammate of Hagi’s father Gheorghe, revealed that Hoffenheim and Borussia Monchengladbach have expressed interest in the 26-year-old.

According to quotes published by Fanatik (14 April), Ilie suggested Hagi could earn significantly more in Germany, with potential earnings reaching £1.7 million per year. “Discussions have already taken place,” Ilie said.

“His agent has been in touch with Gladbach, and there’s real interest.”

With the season’s end approaching, speculation around Rangers’ squad, management, and ownership continues to build – and the next few weeks could be defining for the club’s future.