Since joining the Rangers in 2005, Belgian midfielder Thomas Buffel has played 60 games and scored 11 goals. He underwent knee surgery in 2006/2007, just before Walter Smith took over and since then has had limited appearances despite being 100 percent fit – a 4-0 CIS Cup win over East Fife in September being his most recent start.
Sure, you’re saying, he should just fight to get into the team. However, Buffel has insisted that an offer from Anderlecht is very tempting, and that if his position does not improve at Ibrox, then he will be out. Buffel said:
“I’ve spoken twice with the manager and he told me I’d get my chance in the team. But since then I’ve been fit for three months, and not been given a call-up. I’ll wait for three more weeks and if I still haven’t played by then, I will want to leave.
“It is too soon to talk about Anderlecht or the other clubs. Rangers hold all the cards in their hands but the time is starting to drag.”
A player of this quality should not be dispensed with easily. Smith really needs to consider the ramifications of such a loss.