Barry Ferguson has previously said he 'hopes' Rangers can strike £1m deal for Ibrox loanee

03/23/2025 03:00 PM

Barry Ferguson might not be around at Rangers when the club's Ibrox loanees return in the summer.

But the interim Rangers manager is certainly staking his claim to a longer-term shot at life in the Ibrox dugout.

Barry Ferguson has brought back a sense of pride to the Rangers support and, although domestic glory couldn't be further away, the Europa League has the Ibrox fans dreaming.

In the dressing room too, John Souttar insists that Rangers are embracing Ferguson in a glowing commendation following the victory at Celtic Park.

Parkhead legend and former midfield counterpart Neil Lennon has backed Ferguson, suggesting the Ibrox legend is doing everything right as he looks to convince the Rangers hierarchy of his credentials.

But with big decisions to be made this summer in terms of the Rangers squad, it appears Ferguson has already made his mind up on the Ibrox future of one Gers loanee.

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Barry Ferguson on Rabbi Matondo

Rabbi Matondo is currently out on loan at Hannover 96 as the 24-year-old Rangers winger looks to restart his career.

Things haven't gone to plan for Matondo since moving to Scotland but now back in Germany, the former Schalke star has his eyes set on Bundesliga promotion.

Reports have suggested that Hannover have a £1m option in the Matondo deal but any future transfer is dependent on the club getting out of a competitive Bundesliga 2.

In the meantime, Matondo has been praised for opening his Wales account, scoring his first goal for the country during a World Cup Qualifier against Kazakhstan.

But whether or not Matondo could return to Rangers, Barry Ferguson has previously claimed that a move out of Ibrox is the best thing for all parties.

Speaking after Matondo agreed the loan move to Hannover, Ferguson expressed hopes that Rangers will be able to 'cash in' on the winger come the summer.

"I think it was best for both parties. [Matondo] wasn't really involved. His career has been biting with injuries," said Ferguson on Matondo in February.

"I believe he was a high-earner as well. He'll go over there on loan until the end of the season and if he impresses, Rangers can obviously try and claw back a bit of the transfer fee they paid.

"If he does well, they can hopefully cash in on him."

Rangers futures up in the air for 10 Ibrox loanees

Rabbi Matondo isn't the only Rangers first-team player who is currently scheduled to return to Ibrox at the end of the season as things stand.

Rangers have two players currently out on loan at Birmingham City, with Kieran Dowell impressing since a January move to St Andrews.

Ben Davies has been a key player for Birmingham as they hope to earn promotion from English League One come the end of the season.

Aris also hope to negotiate a deal for Jose Cifuentes, who has spent the season on loan in Greece, but the Super League side hope to reduce the initial £4.2m option-to-buy.

Rangers have a number of youngsters out on loan, with Kieran Wright (Airdrieonians), Robbie Fraser (Livingston), Adam Devine (Queen's Park), Leon King (Queen's Park), Cole McKinnon (Ayr United) and Archie Stephens (Dunfermline) all playing in the Scottish lower leagues.

Johnly Yfeko is also impressing at Exeter City, who have an option to buy on former Leicester City youth's contract.