Ibrox Review: Rangers manager probed on potential summer signing for alleged £4.5m 38-goal striker 

Ibrox Review: Rangers manager probed on potential summer signing for alleged £4.5m 38-goal striker 

As Kemar Roofe’s expensive Rangers contract nears conclusion, Philippe Clement remains tight-lipped about the striker.

There are substantial issues about whether Kemar Roofe’s large transfer fee and salaries have been justified since joining Rangers in the summer of 2020.

Signed from Anderlecht for a reputed £4.5 million, the Jamaican international has endured an injury-plagued four years at Ibrox,

punctuated by flashes of ruthlessness.

In normal conditions, a new Kemar Roofe contract would be a no-brainer.

He is an instinctive, sharp penalty box striker with Premier League offensive knowledge.

But – and we don’t have to tell you – the situation is everything but routine.

Kemar Roofe is almost ready to play 90 minutes.

As we approach the end of another injury-plagued season for Kemar Roofe, the striker is finally returning to full fitness.

At least that’s according to Philippe Clement, who thinks the 31-year-old striker is nearly ready to play 90 minutes.

This follows Clement’s decision to leave Kemar Roofe and Kieran Dowell out of the 3-1 win over Hibs despite their fitness.

“He’s getting better and better, but, of course, he comes from a long way back,” Clement added. “And there is competition. There are additional players.

“So it’s about him giving his all, as he has been doing in training, and boosting his levels. He comes from a long distance because he hasn’t played many minutes this season.

“He is physically fit to play 90 minutes, but there is competition from other players.

That way, it’s a good thing. I’m starting to get headaches again from making decisions. But I believe it will only benefit the club.”

Kemar Roofe has only made 98 appearances for Rangers over four seasons, scoring 38 goals.

Philippe Clement dodges Rangers contract question.

The issue has understandably sparked speculation over Kemar Roofe’s future at Ibrox, where he will be out of contract in the summer.

There is no justification for a contract extension as things are, and you know if Roofe moves on,

he’ll cause havoc elsewhere, but Philippe Clement is clear that a decision has yet to be taken.

“There’s no reason to talk about anything,” he told me. “Because you can say whether it’s close or far away.

But you can never fully discuss that.

“It’s almost done when it’s signed. When is it not signed? Is it close,

or far? So there’s no reason to discuss such issues unless there’s an agreement.”

If Kemar Roofe, who is highly regarded by Philippe Clement, can demonstrate his fitness in the season’s closing stretch,

everything is possible.

However, according to the same Sod’s Law that nearly ensures Roofe’s success elsewhere,

within a week of signing a new contract, the Jamaican will come up with another problem.

Interestingly, Kemar Roofe’s contract comments contrast sharply with Philippe Clement’s response to a question about John Lundstram’s contract.

The Belgian makes it plain that he wants the midfielder to sign a new deal, but was a lot more coy when it comes to Kemar.

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