Deal in Principle Agreed for Robin Pröpper’s Rangers Exit — Final Decision Now Awaits 49ers’ Green Light

By Naveen Ullal
13 June 2025

Robin Pröpper’s future at Rangers hangs delicately in the balance, with a return to his native Netherlands looming ever closer — yet not quite sealed.

The 31-year-old Dutch centre-back could soon depart Ibrox after just a single season in Glasgow. Though a deal in principle has already been agreed between Rangers and his former club, FC Twente, the final chapter of this transfer saga remains unwritten as all parties await a decisive green light from Rangers’ newly installed ownership and leadership team.

As the dust settles on major changes within the Scottish club, Twente and Pröpper are holding their nerve, hoping that the path forward will soon be clarified. Here’s a detailed look at the state of play.

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A Swift Rise and a Possible Return

Robin Pröpper joined Rangers last summer in a deal from FC Twente, bolstering the Gers’ defensive options with his wealth of experience from the Eredivisie. The move was initially greeted with optimism. Pröpper, known for his composure on the ball and aerial prowess, was expected to bring calm leadership to the backline during a transitional period at Ibrox.

However, Pröpper’s time in Glasgow has been turbulent. While flashes of his quality were evident, Rangers underwent significant managerial and ownership changes throughout the season. These off-pitch developments, combined with the pressures of adapting to Scottish football, ultimately prevented Pröpper from fully establishing himself as an indispensable starter.

Now, as the summer window heats up, Pröpper is on the verge of retracing his steps back to familiar territory in the Netherlands.

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FC Twente’s Determined Pursuit

FC Twente’s desire to bring Pröpper back to Enschede is no secret. The Eredivisie side have made their intentions clear since early June, and they are pushing hard to get the deal over the line.

On June 2nd, Dutch outlet Soccer News reported that Twente were “very serious” about securing Pröpper’s signature, with active negotiations underway. Merely four days later, additional reports from the Dutch press confirmed a breakthrough: Pröpper had agreed personal terms with Twente.

At that point, the only remaining obstacle was finalising the last details of the transfer fee with Rangers. Sources indicated that the deal would be worth in the region of €1.5 million — a fair price for a player of Pröpper’s experience, especially considering he is entering the twilight years of his career.

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The 49ers Takeover: A New Variable

Yet, despite this momentum, the move remains stalled — and the reason lies not with Twente or the player, but within Rangers’ own boardroom.

The past month has seen seismic changes at Ibrox. On May 30th, a consortium led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises (the investment arm linked to the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise) completed a majority takeover of Rangers. The deal ushered in a new era of ownership for the club, one that promises ambitious long-term goals both on and off the pitch.

Just days later, Rangers also announced the appointment of Russell Martin as their new permanent manager. Martin now faces the considerable task of shaping a squad capable of challenging for domestic honours and making progress in Europe, all while aligning with the new ownership’s vision.

It is in this uncertain context that Pröpper’s proposed transfer has hit pause. With the 49ers-led consortium now calling the shots, all player sales — especially those involving first-team contributors — are subject to fresh review.

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Twente Left Waiting

The latest update comes via Dutch newspaper Tubantia, which explains why the operation has yet to reach completion. According to their report, Twente and Rangers have already reached an agreement in principle for Pröpper’s transfer. The key terms are in place, and the fee is broadly accepted.

However, the transition of power at Rangers means that no official go-ahead has yet been granted. Twente are said to be “waiting for definitive answers. From club and player.”

In practical terms, this means that Rangers’ new leadership must review the deal, consult with manager Russell Martin, and decide whether they are willing to proceed with the sale under the current terms.

For Twente, this waiting game is frustrating but not uncommon in modern football, especially when clubs undergo significant internal restructuring. The Dutch side remains hopeful but aware that circumstances at Rangers could evolve quickly.

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What’s Next for Robin Pröpper?

For Pröpper himself, the situation is one of limbo. The veteran defender has reportedly set his heart on a return to Twente, a club where he enjoyed considerable success and feels a strong personal connection.

At 31, this may represent one of the last major moves of his career. Returning to the Eredivisie would not only bring him back closer to home but also provide a familiar environment where he can play a key role in Twente’s ambitions.

Yet, as things stand, he must wait patiently for Rangers’ final decision.

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Broader Implications for Rangers

This seemingly small transfer also highlights broader questions facing Rangers this summer.

With new ownership and a new manager in place, the club is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming months. The 49ers-led consortium is reportedly keen on modernising club operations, improving financial sustainability, and building a competitive squad capable of ending Celtic’s domestic dominance.

Russell Martin will need to assess which players fit into his tactical plans and which do not. For Pröpper, this assessment could determine whether he is seen as surplus to requirements or a valuable experienced option to keep.

Moreover, the handling of this deal will offer an early glimpse into how Rangers’ new hierarchy will approach transfer negotiations and player management.

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Conclusion: A Decision Imminent?

In summary, Robin Pröpper’s proposed move from Rangers to FC Twente remains tantalisingly close — yet not quite complete.

The two clubs have done the hard part, with an agreement in principle already struck and personal terms settled. But with a new era unfolding at Ibrox, the final decision now rests with the 49ers Enterprises leadership and manager Russell Martin.

For Twente and Pröpper, the hope is that clarity will emerge soon. For Rangers fans, this small but symbolic transfer could mark the first test of the club’s new direction under American-influenced ownership.

As the summer window unfolds, all eyes will be on Ibrox to see whether this chapter closes with Pröpper’s return to the Netherlands — or if unexpected twists still lie ahead.