Rangers fans are this morning heavily split over John Lundstram and his new contract, after news broke that the stalemate between player and club continues amid interest from down south increasing.
The 30-year-old midfielder, such a juggernaut this season, is awaiting a resolution to his contract problem with the expiry this summer, and while initially it seemed cast-iron he’d sign a new deal, and manager Philippe Clement also offered his own neck on a block by expressing certainty the contract would be secured, it’s looking a little less likely now.
Two major problems for the midfielder is he’s picked a terrible time to have a form dip – his recent displays have not matched the November-February period, and while not horrible, he’s not been the titan of norm.
The second issue is he’s never once dominated or controlled an Old Firm, and the 3-3 was no different. For having similar attributes to Celtic counterpart Callum McGregor, he’s never clamped his foot down on an Old Firm by comparison.
And in an Ibrox Noise poll, Rangers fans are nowhere near as gushing about the idea of keeping Lunny as they were.
Of 2000 votes and counting, an astonishing 68% were happy to see Lundstram leave if he’s not happy with Rangers’ offer, just 30% saying they wanted the club to push the boat out to keep the ex-Sheffield man.
2% were undecided.
This is both a shock verdict and it isn’t. We know Rangers fans are as fickle as the wind – the same supporters only a week ago would have been banging at the door for the club to offer what the player wants.
Indeed, in recent weeks, that’s exactly what they demanded.
But a Celtic match changes a lot, and another modest outing from him has made a lot of fans’ minds up that Lunny doesn’t really show up in those matches.
And almost 70% now see him as expendable.
Ibrox Noise?
We were all in favour of his new deal too, but yes, the 3-3 changed it for us and it’s evident Lunny isn’t up to dominating against Celtic, which we thought he should be able to do.
If he doesn’t accept the current terms, Rangers wouldn’t struggle to find someone better.
Arguably already have – he’s called Dujon Sterling.