This Rangers Midfielder Is Considering January Exit: Should McInnes Keep Him?

This Rangers Midfielder Is Considering January Exit: Should McInnes Keep Him? Rangers’ midfield rebuild faces an early test as Derek McInnes balances starters with players waiting for a chance. The Ibrox side sit second in the Premiership with 20 points from nine matches: six wins, two draws and one defeat. Their 13 goals scored and seven conceded leave them four points behind Celtic, while Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Dundee showed how one error can undo good work. McInnes has leaned on Dan Neil and Nicolas Raskin, making only one change to his starting side across the previous four matches, Glasgow World reported. That continuity has built momentum but leaves little room for fringe players. Summer recruits Vanja Dragojevic and Cammy Devlin have added competition. That has placed Tochi Chukwuani’s role under scrutiny. Glasgow World reported on 21 October that the 23-year-old Danish defensive midfielder is ready to consider a January departure if his minutes do not improve. Citing Football Insider, the outlet said he is not yet demanding an exit. Chukwuani has made eight appearances this season but has not started a Premiership match, playing only 41 league minutes. Rangers signed him from Sturm Graz in January 2026 on a three-and-a-half-year contract until June 2029. He offers physical presence, ball-carrying ability and defensive cover. His versatility across defensive and central midfield gives McInnes options, but limited minutes make his progress harder to assess. No reliable public source confirms his weekly wage. Should Rangers keep Chukwuani as cover or cut their losses? GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 20: Tochi Chukwuani of Rangers is seen during the UEFA Conference League 2026/27 Play Off Round First Leg match between Rangers and Jablonec at Ibrox Stadium on August 20, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) From McInnes’ perspective, a January sale makes sense only if Rangers can absorb the loss without weakening their options. Chukwuani remains contracted until 2029, so the club should protect their reported £4.3m investment rather than accept a cheap exit. His strength and mobility could help close games, shield the defence and provide rotation. Yet Neil and Raskin hold the starting roles, while the lack of European matches reduces the need for changes. The sensible move is to give the Dane minutes before January, particularly in cup ties or matches that allow rotation. If he cannot earn a clear role, a loan with regular starts may protect his value better than a rushed sale. McInnes should judge him on training and match impact, not reputation or transfer cost alone. Rangers cannot promise minutes, but they should provide a fair chance to earn them.