DONE DEAL – Rangers Finally Lands First Summer Signing for Russell as Player is Already Familiar with Russell’s Style of Play

Max Aarons Set to Join Rangers as Russell Martin Lands First Signing

Rangers are on the verge of sealing their first signing under new manager Russell Martin, with Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons set to arrive at Ibrox on a season-long loan.

According to reports on Friday evening, the 25-year-old defender is poised to complete a temporary move from the Premier League side, with no obligation for the Scottish giants to buy included in the deal. The move represents a reunion for Aarons and Martin, who were teammates at Norwich City during their playing days.

Aarons spent last season on loan at La Liga outfit Valencia, making 20 appearances in all competitions. A product of the Norwich academy, he rose to prominence as one of the most promising young full-backs in England and was capped 27 times for the England U21s. He joined Bournemouth in 2023 but found opportunities limited, leading to the loan spell in Spain.

His arrival would mark the first active recruitment of the Martin era, although Rangers have already confirmed the pre-arranged signing of Lyall Cameron from Dundee. The attacking midfielder agreed a pre-contract deal in January and officially joined the Ibrox ranks this summer.

Aarons’ pedigree and Premier League experience will offer a boost to a Rangers squad undergoing another period of transition following the departure of Philippe Clement and the appointment of Martin, who is now shaping a team to fit his possession-based philosophy.

Martin is also reported to be interested in bolstering his central defensive options, with Croatian defender Luka Jelenic of NK Osijek and Leicester City’s Conor Coady both linked in recent days. Jelenic, 21, has impressed in the Croatian top flight and is seen as a player with potential resale value, while Coady’s experience and leadership could prove invaluable if a deal can be struck with the Foxes.

Elsewhere in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic confirmed the return of another familiar face on Friday, as former Hoops midfielder Liam Henderson re-signed for the club following a decade in Italy. The 28-year-old, who previously lifted three trophies under Ronny Deila, joins from Empoli after making over 200 appearances in Italian football, including stints at Bari, Hellas Verona and Lecce.

Kilmarnock and Dundee United were also active, with Killie announcing the signing of English winger Brandon Barker on a one-year deal and United completing a loan move for midfielder Josh Mulligan from Dundee.

Meanwhile, south of the border, Liverpool finalised a landmark deal worth £100million to sign Portuguese forward João Neves from Benfica. The 19-year-old becomes the club’s most expensive signing and is viewed as a long-term successor to Thiago Alcântara in midfield.

Back at Ibrox, Rangers fans will be encouraged by the progress being made under Martin, with Aarons set to become the first new addition as the club looks to mount a serious challenge to Celtic’s domestic dominance and make a mark in Europe.