10 Rangers loan players due back, how they fared and what the future holds

For the second year in a row, Rangers are about to undergo a massive squad revamp. Philippe Clement has made no bones about that like Michael Beale before him.

Plenty will be shipped out from the underachieving squad, even if they do manage to win the Scottish Cup tomorrow. Finishing eight points behind Celtic in the league and not managing to win any of the derbies so far shows where this team is and quality reinforcements are required.

But there is also the small matter of 10 returning loanees whose futures are still to be decided. Many of them are youngsters who may be sent out again for more first team exposure but there is also senior pros such as Sam Lammers, Jose Cifuentes and Ianis Hagi who may or may not have a future in Glasgow.

Here is a run-through of all 10, how they’ve fared and what might happen going forward.

Sam Lammers

It’s been well documented but Lammers is faring far better back in his homeland with Utrecht than he did at Ibrox. 10 goals in 11 Eredivisie games, including nine in his last 10, is pretty good going. When he left on loan, it didn’t look like the 27-year-old had a future in Glasgow and it seems fans are still keen for the club to try and recoup their money for him. Craig Moore this week suggested bringing him back and giving him another shot, but it seems unlikely Philippe Clement will be on the same wavelength. For their part, Utrecht are desperate to keep him but it may be a stretch financially.

José Cifuentes

Like Lammers, the Ecuadorian only signed last summer under Michael Beale before being shipped out in the very next transfer window by Clement. His loan in Brazil with Cruzeiro hasn’t set the heather alight either, starting a handful of matches and making the rest of his appearances from the bench. The Brazilians hold an option to buy but may not be able to afford it after the legendary Ronaldo pulled his funding. Unlikely to be back at Ibrox though.

Lewis Budinauckas

The young goalkeeper has made 29 appearances for Stranraer as he gets valuable game time, keeping eight clean sheets. Played both legs as the Blues overcame East Kilbride in the League Two play-offs to preserve their SPFL status, conceding two at Kilby and just one in the home game.

Adam Devine

The young full-back showed promise during a run in the Gers team last season has had further top flight experience with Motherwell this campaign. Scored one and assisted one across 12 appearances after signing in January.

Arron Lyall

The technically gifted midfielder was sent out to Rhys McCabe’s Airdrie in January and has fitted in well. Scored a good goal against Partick Thistle in the play-offs to add to one in the regular campaign but the Diamonds were ultimately unsuccessful.

Jay Hogarth

Another young Ger to be involved in the play-offs in the lower leagues. Hogarth has been Dumbarton’s number one goalie since signing in January and kept eight clean sheets in 18 games. Then helped them to promotion by playing in all of the play-off games.

Kristian Webster

Centre-back Webster joined Lowland League side Cumbernauld Colts last summer and after breaking into their team in October, has played every minute other than an injury related absence in one game. Has played in defence and midfield and been a big part of the Colts’ stunning form which saw them finish fourth. Out of contract in a week’s time.

Jacob Pazikas

Another youngster out gaining experience in the Lowland League, this time with Civil Service Strollers. The goalkeeper missed a chunk of the season with a finger injury but forced his way straight back into the side and played over 20 games all in. Conceded just two goals as Strollers’ win five-in-a-row finish the season in style.

James Graham

The forward spent the first part of the season with Annan in League one but then made the switch to Dumbarton in January, teaming up with Gers teammate Hogarth. Scored two goals in 16 League games and played his part in the promotion.

Ianis Hagi

Got the chance to go an play his football in Spain with Alaves for a season after bemoaning his struggles breaking into Michael Beale’s side at the beginning of the campaign. Scored just once and assisted twice and began to be used more from the bench in the second part of the season. From all 10, he is the most likely to play a part in Rangers’ 2024/25 campaign.