Rangers have lost another young talent. How did the Ibrox board let it get to this.
Whether Rangers fans believe David Bates to be the ‘Scottish Sergio Ramos’, or not up to the task, it’s hard to escape the fact that his exit is a terrible look for the Glasgow club.
All things considered, age, potential, form, Bates is among Rangers’ best defenders, and Hamburg’s announcement they have signed him to a four-year deal stunned supporters.
Bates becomes the third top talent to quit Rangers within a year, following Barrie McKay and teenager Billy Gilmour.
Gilmour’s situation was tough on Rangers, as Chelsea poached him away before he turned professional, but it was a blow nonetheless which is still yet to be truly measured.
The main reason for losing Barrie McKay was not his falling out with former manager Pedro Caixinha, but his expiring contract.
The way his deal was allowed to run down put Rangers in a poor position, and left them having to cash in to avoid losing him on a free.
With Bates, that’s exactly what has occurred, with the 21-year-old leaving for nothing.
It is Rangers’ fault for letting it get to this point.
The fact they did after the McKay situation, and even Gilmour, is concerning.
Rangers should have focused on tying down their best young talents, and whether you believe Bates is one or not – he is a first team defender.
Losing him on a free is a major own goal by the Ibrox board.
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