Godwin ObajeRangers Agree Deal to Sell Defender Without Russell Martin’s Approval as Max Aarons Nears Ibrox Move
Glasgow Rangers have reached an agreement to sell defender Robin Propper to FC Twente in a move sanctioned by the club’s hierarchy without the formal approval of new manager Russell Martin, according to fresh reports.
The Dutch defender, who joined Rangers last summer, is now the subject of a €1.5 million (£1.27m) bid from Eredivisie side Twente. A deal is understood to be agreed in principle, though it remains subject to final approval and a crucial meeting between Propper and Martin, who only recently took charge at Ibrox.
According to Sport Witness, the delay stems from “recent changes within the technical staff of Rangers,” which have meant Martin has yet to formally sign off on the player’s departure. The report further states that “a meeting between Propper and the new head coach is planned soon and will be decisive for the further course of the transfer.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Propper’s future, activity at Ibrox continues at pace.
Martin is overseeing a significant rebuild in Glasgow and has already welcomed his first signing, with Dundee midfielder Lyall Cameron arriving as the opening addition of the summer window. However, the Ibrox boss insists the club’s recruitment drive is far from over as they prepare for a testing Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos and the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign away at Motherwell.
Speaking about the club’s transfer plans, Martin said:
“I honestly don’t know but I think we’ll have a few [in] before the European game, that’ll be for sure. Everyone is working extremely hard. The bulk of work over the past week or so has been identifying character and talent that we want in the building that can add to this group and add to us culturally and in terms of performance. I’m excited about the people we’re starting to look at, and hopefully will add.”
One of those additions appears to be Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons, who is closing in on a move to Rangers on a straight loan deal. The 24-year-old, who has been a long-standing target for a number of Scottish and English clubs, has reportedly completed his medical and has been photographed at Ibrox ahead of the move.
The signing of Aarons would provide Martin with a significant boost on the right flank, and could spell the end of the road for Propper, should the Dutchman’s meeting with the manager confirm his departure.
Rangers’ ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, appear committed to backing Martin in the market, but their decision to sanction Propper’s exit prior to managerial approval underscores the power dynamics at play in the new Ibrox regime.
As things stand, Rangers fans could see one defender arrive and another depart in the coming days—emblematic of a summer of transition under Martin’s watch.
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