Steven Gerrard has confirmed that his transfer plans are dependent on reaching the group stages of the Europa League.
After beating Dundee United on September 12 the Ibrox boss pleaded for new faces to be brought in but the club’s money men have resisted the call to get the cheque book out.
Just over £13m has been spent on Ianis Hagi, Cedric Itten and Kemar Roofe but star spotter Ross Wilson has only raised £185,000 from the sale of Greg Docherty to League One Hull City.
This time last year the Ibrox side were fairly cash rich following four glamour friendlies and four Europa League qualifiers but this year there has been nothing coming in beyond season ticket money.
Roofe, Itten, Brandon Barker, Ryan Jack and Joe Aribo will miss the Galatasaray match through injury with Gerrard telling The Sun that his transfer plans have been put on hold:
I think I’ve made it pretty clear what I feel we need but I also respect the club’s position in the current climate and the situation that we’re in.
I do think that depending on whether we qualify or not would depend on what we try and do in the final days but I think that’s a question for people who are above me at the club.
I’ve made it pretty clear what I feel we need to keep moving forward, to make sure that we don’t stand still.
Last season reaching the Europa League group stage was worth 2.9m euros which is around the fee quoted for Hagi. Further payments are made for draws, wins and qualifying for the knock-out stage.
After failing to sell anyone other than Daniel Candeias last summer Mark Allen decided to spend more time with his family after two years bringing stars to the Ibrox wage bill.
