Rangers manager Philippe Clement has admitted that securing a Champions League spot would significantly boost the team’s transfer budget.
As Rangers prepare to face Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg of their third qualifying round clash in Poland on Tuesday night, Clement has revealed that he has two lists of potential targets – one for if they reach the group stage and another for if they drop into the Europa League.
With a staggering £40million up for grabs, Clement knows that the difference between Champions League and Europa League qualification could be crucial in shaping the team’s transfer strategy.
“Of course, it’s a big world of difference,” said the Belgian manager. “It could really vary what you’re trying to do at the end of the window. That’s why you need to be prepared for the two scenarios.”
Philippe Clement speaks at a press conference in Poland ahead of Dynamo Kyiv clash
Defender Leon Balogun and Clement talk tactics in the Lublin Arena
Mohamed Diomande and his Rangers team-mates have a walk around the pitch
Clement also revealed that he has no concerns about throwing in experienced Dutch defender Robin Propper for a baptism of fire against Dynamo Kyiv, despite the player’s lack of match fitness.
“No concerns about that. Vaclav (Cerny) showed it already against Hearts when he came in,” said the Belgian manager.
The Rangers boss also confirmed that winger Oscar Cortes will miss the next four to five weeks with a knee injury sustained in Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Tynecastle.
“Oscar didn’t travel,” said Clement after the Colombian winger underwent a scan. “It was a really unlucky fall in the duel, and his knee was twisted.”
Manager Clement gets a feel for the surface ahead of the crucial Euro tie
Rangers will miss Oscar Cortes, above left, who has been ruled out for four to five weeks
Balogun has his say as Rangers prepare for tie at Dynamo Kyiv’s temporary home
Ianis Hagi also failed to travel after playing for the B team against Middlesbrough, and Clement admitted the Romanian midfielder does not feature in his plans and will be sold if an acceptable offer comes in.
“We had clearly talked with him before the pre-season already, and with his agents, about that,” said the Rangers manager. “We need to look, like I said, at a lot of things with the club, about wages, about how many players you can have in a position, with the budget that we have, and to get a budget to make transfers.”