adminRussell Martin Plots Next Three Rangers Signings Following Max Aarons Loan Agreement
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Russell Martin Plots Next Three Rangers Signings Following Max Aarons Loan Agreement
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Russell Martin Plots Next Three Rangers Signings Following Max Aarons Loan Agreement
By
Russell Martin Plots Next Three Rangers Signings Following Max Aarons Loan Agreement
By Mark Pirie
Published: 21 June 2025, 14:13 BST
Rangers are set to officially unveil Max Aarons as the first signing of the Russell Martin era, and the club’s transfer business is just beginning. As preparations intensify for the upcoming Champions League qualifiers against Panathinaikos, the new manager is pushing for three more signings to strengthen key areas of the squad.
Martin, who was appointed to lead the Ibrox side following a disappointing end to the 2024/25 season, has wasted no time initiating his summer rebuild. With domestic dominance eluding Rangers again as Celtic and Aberdeen claimed major honours, the pressure is on to deliver silverware and restore the club’s winning identity.
✅ Max Aarons: First Signing Secured
The incoming transfer of Max Aarons, the talented right-back from Bournemouth, is viewed as a major coup for Rangers. Aarons, 25, is expected to join on a season-long loan deal, bringing Premier League pedigree and blistering pace to the right side of Martin’s defense. Although Bournemouth initially hoped for a permanent sale, a compromise was reached to allow a loan switch, without any purchase obligation or option.
The former Norwich star had a short-lived loan spell at Valencia during the second half of last season, but failed to secure a permanent place in the Spanish side’s plans. He returns to the UK with a point to prove and a fresh opportunity to reignite his career under a manager known for developing young, attacking players.
🔁 Lyall Cameron: Already in the Building
While Aarons marks Martin’s first official addition, midfielder Lyall Cameron had already agreed to join Rangers on a pre-contract from Dundee, during Philippe Clement’s tenure. Cameron, 23, is seen as a versatile and energetic addition to the midfield, and is expected to slot into the rotation as Rangers look to cope with the physical demands of European and domestic competition.
🧱 Reinforcements Needed in Attack
One of Martin’s top priorities is signing a new striker, especially with Cyriel Dessers’ future in doubt. The Nigerian international was the club’s top scorer last season but is now being heavily linked with a move to AEK Athens. Rangers will need firepower up front if they are to mount a serious title challenge and navigate through the Champions League qualifiers.
Initial efforts were focused on signing Dor Turgeman, the promising forward from Maccabi Tel Aviv. However, amid ongoing political tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli club has reportedly pulled out of transfer discussions—despite Turgeman publicly expressing readiness for a move abroad. Rangers may now be forced to explore Plan B.
🔎 Matija Frigan and Jamie Vardy on the Radar
Among the new targets is Matija Frigan, a 22-year-old Croatian striker currently playing for Westerlo in Belgium. According to reports from Spotske Novoski, Westerlo are demanding £6.4 million for the forward—a fee that may require negotiation if Rangers are serious about pursuing him.
Also linked is veteran English striker Jamie Vardy, who recently departed Leicester City after more than a decade of loyal service. While his age (38) makes him a short-term option, Vardy’s experience and scoring instincts could be valuable. However, competition is fierce, with up to 10 clubs reportedly interested in securing his signature.
🎯 Kwame Poku Edging Closer
In the wide areas, Martin is also keen to strengthen following the exit of Vaclav Cerny. The Czech international had a successful loan stint at Ibrox but has now returned to Wolfsburg, with his agent confirming that the player will not be rejoining Rangers. Wolfsburg have placed a £9 million price tag on Cerny, effectively ending any chance of a permanent deal.
As a result, Rangers have turned their attention to Kwame Poku, the Peterborough United winger, who is approaching the end of his contract. According to Barry Fry, Peterborough’s Director of Football, Poku previously had a valuation of £5 million plus add-ons. However, because Rangers are a non-English club, the transfer is subject to FIFA’s cross-border compensation rules, allowing the Ibrox side to potentially secure the player for just £350,000.
This would represent excellent value for a 23-year-old with Championship and League One experience who has been steadily attracting interest for his pace, trickery, and direct style.
🛡️ Defensive Cover: Coady, Jelenic, and More
In central defense, Leon Balogun has already departed, and Robin Propper is expected to follow suit, with a potential move to FC Twente on the cards. To bolster the back line, Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have identified a list of defensive targets.
- Conor Coady, the experienced English centre-back, is high on Martin’s wishlist. Having previously worked with Thelwell and Martin at Wolves and Everton, the 32-year-old could bring leadership and composure to the Rangers back line. Reports suggest Coady is “keen” on the move, although interest from Wolves may complicate matters.
- Another name being linked is Luka Jelenic, the Croatian defender who joined Osijek just 12 months ago. The 21-year-old is seen as a player for both the present and the future, but negotiations would likely need to reflect that Osijek are in no rush to sell.
- Almamy Toure, formerly of Eintracht Frankfurt and recently with Kaiserslautern, is also on the radar. However, German media suggest that Toure is evaluating several domestic options before making a decision on a potential move abroad.
💬 Russell Martin Speaks on Transfers
Following the announcement of the 2025/26 SPFL fixtures, Russell Martin offered insight into the club’s recruitment progress during a media briefing.
“We’ll have a few [signings] before the European game, that’s for sure,” Martin said.
“Everyone is working extremely hard. The bulk of the work has been about identifying character and talent we want in the building—people who can add to this group culturally and in performance. I’m excited about the people we are starting to look at and hopefully will add.”
🔜 What’s Next?
With Aarons’ signing poised for announcement, and multiple targets being pursued across attack, defense, and the wings, Rangers appear committed to backing their new manager with the financial and structural support needed to succeed.
Backed by the club’s new US owners, and with Champions League qualifiers just weeks away, Martin and Thelwell are working against the clock to deliver a squad capable of competing at both domestic and European levels.
Expect more announcements in the coming days, as Rangers ramp up their summer business in what could be a transformative window for the Ibrox club.
Godwin Obaje
