Clement confirms latest on Ben Davies Rangers’ exit | OneFootball

Ben Davies’ move to Birmingham is now closer than ever after Philippe Clement confirmed the two clubs are working on the transfer and left the defender out of the matchday squad to face Ross County.

While word is still claiming that it’s a loan, it’s viewed that it’s the end of Davies’ Rangers career because no player goes out on loan when they are in any way wanted by their senior management.

We remember the days of Steven Gerrard – not a soul who ever went out on loan under him ever came back to play any kind of role in the first team.

And it is the general rule – if a player is going out on loan, it’s for two reasons – firstly they’re young and the manager can’t guarantee them the minutes they need to develop in senior football, because they’ve not impressed enough to shine and convince the boss to take a risk

And secondly if they’re a senior player who has fallen considerably down the pecking order – Davies was told earlier in the summer he was free to find a new club, and finding one that can afford his wages or that he’s willing to take a paycut for has been a challenge.

Birmingham of course have a big advantage – League One is not governed by FFP or rules about wages, and they are a rich club unlike most others around them. So they can, in theory, afford his wages and give him senior football.

Either way, Clement has confirmed the negotiations continue but that he has not yet received word that it’s concluded.

We’d imagine it won’t be long before he’s confirmed as departed.