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Glasgow Rangers’ decision to back head coach Philippe Clement earlier this season is looking increasingly like a wise choice.
In November 2024, Football Insider reported that Clement faced growing pressure due to unsatisfactory performances, but the club opted to give him time to turn things around.
With the team set to play in the League Cup final the following month, the board gave him a chance to secure more silverware.
Despite falling short on penalties in a spirited final against the League Cup, Rangers have since lost only two of their last 13 matches in all competitions, with one of those defeats coming against Premier League side Manchester United. This strong run suggests Clement has managed to get the team back on track.
Aiding his efforts were the returns of Danilo, who recovered from a knee injury, and Ianis Hagi, who ended a contract dispute to rejoin the squad. Both have been instrumental in improving Rangers’ attacking play.
Danilo and Hagi’s Impact This Season
Danilo, who missed 12 matches due to his knee injury, made a comeback in November and has been a key player in the center-forward position. Although he’s started just six of his 14 Scottish Premiership appearances this season, his impact has been undeniable.
The Brazilian forward has scored five goals, provided three assists, and created six “big chances” for his teammates, demonstrating his threat inside the box.
Meanwhile, Hagi returned to the squad in October after the club intervened in his contract dispute, which had previously kept him out. Since rejoining the team, the Romanian international has made a significant impact, contributing eight goals and assists in 12 starts, as shown in the table. His recent performances, including key goals against Ross County, highlight his importance in the final third.
Both Danilo and Hagi have been crucial to Clement’s improved team performances, particularly in attack.
A Potential Regret: Sam Lammers’ Form
However, there is one player that Rangers might now regret selling last year, as he has outperformed both Danilo and Hagi in terms of goals.
In the summer of 2024, Rangers sold versatile Dutch forward Sam Lammers to FC Twente for a reported £2.5m.
Lammers had been brought in from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 under former manager Michael Beale, but he struggled to make an impact in his first season at Ibrox, contributing just two goals and two assists in 31 appearances. After Clement took charge, Lammers was sent on loan to FC Utrecht for the second half of the season, where he thrived, recording 13 goal contributions in 18 matches.
Despite his success at Utrecht, Clement chose not to give him another chance at Rangers, leading to Lammers’ £2.5m move to FC Twente last summer.
Why Rangers Might Regret Selling Lammers
Rangers may now regret parting with the 26-year-old so soon, as he has impressed once again in the Eredivisie. Lammers has been a regular starter for FC Twente, playing 16 of 17 league matches, and has scored six goals, surpassing Danilo (five) and Hagi (three) in the Premiership.
Additionally, he has netted two goals in six Europa League appearances, proving his ability to perform on the European stage—something neither Danilo nor Hagi achieved in the league phase of the competition for Rangers.
Lammers has also contributed creativity, registering one assist from four “big chances” created, although his teammates’ wastefulness has limited his assist tally.
Lammers’ current form shows that he is thriving in the Netherlands, outshining two of Clement’s top performers as a goal-scorer. Rangers’ early decision to sell him after just six months at Ibrox may now be seen as a missed opportunity, leaving fans to wonder “what if?” as the Dutchman continues to excel elsewhere.
