Rangers Set to Land Almamy Touré in First Transfer of 49ers Era

Rangers Football Club are closing in on their first major signing under the stewardship of new owners 49ers Enterprises, with former Eintracht Frankfurt defender Almamy Touré reportedly set to arrive at Ibrox. The American-backed consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh, completed their takeover this week, ushering in a new chapter for the Scottish giants with promises of investment, modernisation, and a return to glory.

The signing of Touré would signal the beginning of that process, as the club looks to rebuild a squad that has fallen behind Celtic domestically and failed to assert itself in Europe consistently. With a number of first-team players departing this summer, including Leon Balogun, Ianis Hagi and Tom Lawrence, Rangers are in urgent need of reinforcements—particularly in defence.

A Proven Performer at the Highest Level

Almamy Touré, aged 29, is a name familiar to Rangers fans for more than one reason. He was part of the Eintracht Frankfurt side that defeated Rangers in the 2022 UEFA Europa League final, a painful night in Seville for the Ibrox faithful. Touré featured in that tightly-contested clash, which Frankfurt ultimately won on penalties, breaking Rangers’ dreams of a first European trophy in 50 years.

A versatile defender, Touré is comfortable playing both as a right-back and as a centre-half. His adaptability and experience at the highest levels of club football make him a valuable addition to a Rangers side in transition. The Mali-born defender began his career in the fabled AS Monaco youth academy, coming through in the same group as global stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Bernardo Silva, Fabinho, and Thomas Lemar. During his time at Monaco, Touré made a total of 80 appearances and played in some of the club’s biggest European nights, including their dramatic 2017 UEFA Champions League campaign.

It was during that memorable run that Touré first showed his potential on a global stage, helping Monaco to a thrilling comeback win against Manchester City in the Round of 16. That Monaco team captured the imagination of football fans worldwide with their fearless attacking style and youthful exuberance, and Touré was a key part of that group.

Success and Setbacks in Germany

After his successful spell in Ligue 1, Touré moved to Germany in 2019, signing with Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt. It was there that he further established himself, playing in one of Europe’s top leagues and ultimately winning the Europa League. His time in Frankfurt was marked by solid performances, although it was not without its challenges. Injuries periodically interrupted his progress, but when fit, Touré proved to be a dependable figure in defence.

Following his stint at Frankfurt, Touré joined 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the German second division. Unfortunately, injuries again limited his appearances and he struggled to find consistent form. With his contract now expired and his fitness reportedly back to competitive levels, Touré is said to be eager for a fresh start—one that Rangers are ready to offer.

A Smart Move for Rangers

From Rangers’ perspective, the potential acquisition of Touré represents a low-risk, high-reward strategy. His wage demands, believed to be in the region of £8,000 per week, are well within the club’s budget, especially when compared to the Premier League-level salaries many top-level defenders command. With extensive experience in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga, and European competition, Touré brings a wealth of knowledge and composure that will be invaluable in both domestic and continental campaigns.

Additionally, his leadership and professionalism could provide guidance to some of the younger players in the squad, while also helping to stabilise a backline that has often looked vulnerable in recent seasons. His ability to slot into multiple positions adds depth and tactical flexibility, something any incoming manager will appreciate.

The 49ers’ Vision Begins

Touré’s potential arrival is also symbolic. This is the first transfer being conducted under the guidance of the 49ers Enterprises, the investment group that now controls Rangers. The group, best known for its involvement with the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL, has pledged a fresh approach to recruitment, club operations, and long-term development. They are expected to implement a data-driven, strategic model focused on sustainability and competitiveness.

While the search for a new manager continues—with names like Davide Ancelotti, Francesco Farioli, and Russell Martin reportedly in the frame—the recruitment team is wasting no time in reshaping the squad. The idea is clear: provide the incoming manager with a functional and competitive team from day one, avoiding the need for a mid-summer scramble.

This methodical planning stands in contrast to some of Rangers’ recent transfer windows, which have been characterised by last-minute deals and reactive signings. The new owners appear to be placing a strong emphasis on planning, structure, and long-term vision—elements that have sometimes been lacking in previous regimes.

Reactions and Expectations

Among supporters, news of Touré’s likely arrival has been met with cautious optimism. Some fans recall his role in the Europa League final defeat and view the signing as a chance for redemption. Others see it as a smart, pragmatic move—exactly the kind of experienced yet affordable signing Rangers need to make if they are to compete with limited resources compared to bigger European clubs.

Critically, fans are watching closely to see how the new ownership handles the early stages of their tenure. With promises of modernisation and a return to the top of Scottish football, supporters expect actions to match the rhetoric. Signing a player like Touré may not be the kind of glamorous deal that makes international headlines, but it sends a message: this regime is ready to get to work.

What’s Next?

Assuming all goes smoothly, Almamy Touré could be unveiled at Ibrox in the coming days as Rangers’ first official signing of the summer window—and of the 49ers era. The hope will be that he brings not only quality and experience, but also hunger. At 29, he still has plenty to offer and appears determined to relaunch a career that once promised so much.

For Rangers, it’s about more than just one player. It’s about laying the foundation for a new era—an era defined not by past glories, but by future ambitions. With a new board, a new manager incoming, and a new culture taking shape, the arrival of Almamy Touré might just be the first of many steps toward restoring Rangers to the top of Scottish and European football.