Godwin ObajeRangers Make Early Moves for Darling and Poku as Martin Begins Ibrox Overhaul
Russell Martin has wasted no time getting down to business at Ibrox, with Rangers already making contact over two potential signings as the new manager begins reshaping the squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.
According to reports, the club are in talks with Swansea City defender Harry Darling and Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku — both of whom are out of contract at the end of June and available on free transfers. It’s understood Martin, who took over the reins in Glasgow last week, views the pair as key pieces in his long-term vision for the club.
Darling is no stranger to Martin, having worked under him at both MK Dons and Swansea. The 24-year-old centre-half has emerged as a “priority” target for the Gers, offering familiarity with Martin’s system and the kind of composed, ball-playing presence the new boss is known to favour in his back line. He made 112 appearances for the Swans, scoring 12 goals and establishing himself as a reliable Championship defender.
Poku, meanwhile, would represent a more ambitious coup. The 22-year-old enjoyed a standout campaign in League One with Peterborough, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists in just 31 league appearances. He ranked first in the squad for goals, shots per game (2.4), dribbles per game (1.9) and overall match rating (7.15), according to WhoScored.
Described as full of “pace, creativity and goal-scoring instinct,” Poku has been linked with Championship clubs and teams on the continent, but the chance to work under Martin — and potentially feature in Europe — is thought to be a persuasive factor. Rangers are pushing to finalise a deal swiftly, particularly with creative players like Tom Lawrence and Ianis Hagi having departed the club following the expiry of their contracts.
Poku made his international debut for Ghana in 2021 while still playing for Colchester United and has since developed into one of the most dynamic young attackers outside the top two divisions. His potential arrival would signal a clear intent to inject youthful flair and final-third productivity into a Rangers squad that has often lacked consistency in wide areas.
Both targets would arrive without a transfer fee, an increasingly crucial aspect of Rangers’ recruitment strategy as the club aims to remain competitive domestically and in Europe while maintaining financial prudence. The lure of Champions League qualification — or at the very least a European group-stage campaign — could prove pivotal in beating English rivals to their signatures.
Rangers are expected to press ahead with multiple signings this summer as Martin begins to stamp his identity on the squad. With Darling and Poku lined up as possible early arrivals, the rebuild is already gathering momentum — and the message is clear: under Russell Martin, Rangers plan to recruit smart, develop talent, and compete at the highest level.
Godwin Obaje
