Kenny Dalglish can't hide Rangers transfer surprise as he serves up brutal truth about Beale revamp

Former Celtic star Kenny Dalglish has warned Rangers they must splash the cash to replace the stars heading for the Ibrox exit door.

A quintuplet exit was announced midweek as Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Allan McGregor, Filip Helander and Scott Arfield depart after a heralded stay south of the Clyde. And boss Michael Beale hinted his axe list could grow as he aims to reimagine Rangers in his vision and challenge champions Celtic next season. Kieran Dowell is on board and Dujon Sterling, Jack Butland and Jose Cifuentes could follow.

Dalglish admits he was caught on the hop over veteran Allan McGregor's exit but admits retirement is on the cards for the 41–year–old after saying goodbye to the club he served with distinction over two spells. And the Scottish football legend stressed exits are only part of the equation and now quality must be sought.

Speaking in his Sunday Post column, he said: "As Celtic prepare for another Cup Final, Rangers bowed out of the 22/23 season. They have a massive period coming up with Champions League qualifiers on the horizon. They will be without Allan McGregor, Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Scott Arfield and Filip Helander.

"Ryan and Alfredo were always going to go as terms on a new deal couldn't be agreed for either of them. I thought it would have been worthwhile to keep Allan for another season but it remains to be seen if he is retiring or looking for a new club. The departure of that five will free up significant amounts of wages but they will need to spend that on new recruits if they want to replace them with similar quality."

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