Glasgow Rangers supporters may have been frustrated by the starting XI and the performance on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership season.
The Light Blues featured only one new face – Connor Barron – in the team against Hearts, resulting in a disappointing 0-0 draw away from Ibrox.
Philippe Clement did not have new center-back Robin Propper available for selection, but Vaclav Cerny came off the bench, while Jefte remained an unused substitute.
Rangers still have time to add to their squad, and one potential signing could spell bad news for Tom Lawrence.
Rangers are keen on a Premier League talent.
According to The Athletic, the Scottish giants are among several clubs vying to sign Liverpool central midfielder Bobby Clark on loan.
The report indicates that English sides Leeds United, Sheffield United, Norwich City, and Coventry City are also competing for his temporary signature.
Meanwhile, RB Salzburg is interested in signing him on a permanent deal and has already had a £6m offer rejected for the midfield gem, who is valued at £12m by the Premier League side.
The Light Blues’ interest in the 19-year-old dynamo could be bad news for Lawrence, whose spot in the team might be at risk.
Why this is bad news for Tom Lawrence
Todd Cantwell’s transfer request and subsequent exclusion from the squad provided the Welsh ace with a significant opportunity to impress against Hearts.
Unfortunately, Lawrence did not score or assist and only created one chance from the number ten position. He also failed with three of his four dribble attempts and lost 11 of his 15 duels.
Last season, the attacking midfielder only managed to produce two goals and three assists in 23 league games, indicating that he does not consistently make a significant impact at the top end of the pitch.
In contrast, Clark, described as “exciting” by reporter Lee Ryder, has the potential to be a substantial threat in the final third from a midfield position.
| Bobby Clark’s attacking contribution | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool career | U18 | U21 | First-team |
| Appearances | 27 | 37 | 14 |
| Goals | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Assists | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Stats via Transfermarkt | |||
As seen in the table above, the 19-year-old ace has shown promise throughout his career at both youth and senior levels, demonstrating his ability to score and create goals for his team.
Clark, who contributed one goal and one assist in two Europa League games last season, has yet to consistently prove himself at the senior level. However, Rangers would be signing him in the hope that this is his breakthrough year.
If Clement can get Clark to produce the numbers he achieved in Liverpool’s academy, he could offer much more than Lawrence in the Premiership, thus putting the Welshman’s position under threat and possibly relegating him to a limited role throughout the campaign.
Rangers dropped two points against Hearts in the first league tie of the season.
Cantwell may be on his way out after his transfer request, but that does not guarantee Lawrence a free run at the number ten role, especially with the potential signing of Clark on loan.