Godwin ObajeMax Aarons Set for Rangers Loan Move as Russell Martin Rebuild Begins
Bournemouth defender Max Aarons is on the verge of joining Rangers on a season-long loan, with the England youth international currently in Glasgow finalising the move, according to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam.
The 24-year-old full-back has completed his medical and is in the final stages of completing paperwork to seal the deal. In a post on X, McAdam confirmed:
“Max Aarons is currently in Glasgow finalising his loan move from Bournemouth to Rangers. The defender has completed a medical and is going through the final stages of the paperwork ahead of completing his move to Ibrox. Straight loan. Announcement expected in the coming days.”
The deal is set to be the first significant incoming of the Russell Martin era at Ibrox, with the former Southampton manager keen to add pace and flexibility to his squad. Aarons, who played alongside Martin at Norwich City, will now reunite with his former teammate in a new chapter north of the border.
The move marks a fresh start for Aarons, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Valencia. Despite flashes of promise in Spain, he returns to the UK with his long-term Bournemouth future looking uncertain. Rangers’ offer of regular first-team football in a high-pressure environment could provide a timely opportunity for revival.
With nearly 100 Premier League appearances under his belt, Aarons brings valuable experience and versatility to the Ibrox dressing room. Though primarily a right-back, he can also deputise on the left, providing tactical flexibility and strong competition for Rangers captain James Tavernier.
The arrival of Aarons is expected to be part of a wider rebuild as Rangers look to bridge the gap to champions Celtic. The Light Blues finished the 2024–25 season 17 points adrift of their city rivals and without a trophy—an outcome that prompted changes in the dugout and the boardroom.
New chairman Andrew Cavenagh has pledged his support to Martin, signalling intent to back the manager in the transfer market. The early move for Aarons suggests the Ibrox hierarchy is wasting no time in equipping their new boss with the tools required to challenge next season.
Martin, who beat out competition from the likes of Davide Ancelotti for the Rangers job, has been tasked with revitalising a squad in need of fresh energy and tactical identity. Aarons fits the bill perfectly—a modern, overlapping full-back who suits the progressive style Martin implemented at both MK Dons and Southampton.
While Rangers are unlikely to stop at just one or two signings this summer, the addition of Aarons represents a smart, low-risk move for a player with top-level experience and something to prove. Should he rediscover his best form in Glasgow, it could be a mutually beneficial relationship—and a signal of intent from a club aiming to return to the top.
More signings are expected to follow in the coming weeks as Martin continues to reshape the squad ahead of pre-season and European qualifiers.
Godwin Obaje
