Godwin ObajeRANGERS PREPARE LONG-TERM BID FOR CONOR COADY AS TRANSFER TALKS GAIN MOMENTUM
Rangers have made the Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady their top defensive target as Russell Martin embarks on his mission to reinforce a back line in need of leadership and experience. Since taking charge at Ibrox earlier this month, Martin has identified defence as a priority—and Coady, a proven Premier League and international performer, ticks every box.
Martin, appointed on a three-year deal, arrives with his own vision of high-pressing yet disciplined football. The former Southampton boss has spent his opening weeks touring the facilities alongside CEO Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell, laying the groundwork for a summer overhaul . A £20 million initial investment has already been pledged by new owners 49ers Enterprises, fueling optimism that Martin’s tactical blueprint can be matched by quality signings .
Defensively, the picture at Ibrox is worrying. Injuries have decimated the central defenders’ rank—John Souttar and Robin Propper have both had limited fitness this season, while Leon Balogun has provided cover but lacks pace in a demanding league . Meanwhile, younger players such as Clinton Nsiala have shown promise, but cannot yet carry all the defensive demands . Martin’s solution: blend experience with emerging talent, and Coady fits that mould perfectly.
The 32‑year‑old Englishman brings a wealth of experience. Developed at Liverpool and Wolves—where he captained the team to the Premier League—Coady has over 400 senior appearances and 10 England caps to his name . After a loan spell at Everton, he moved to Leicester City in 2023 and has continued to impress in the Championship and Premier League alike . Crucially, with Everton opting not to trigger a purchase clause after his loan, Coady is now available as a free agent, a deal that would suit Rangers’ “sell-to-buy” model .
Social media has added a hint of intrigue: one of Coady’s children was spotted wearing a Rangers jersey in an Instagram photo—a small but resonant moment that has sparked fan excitement . Many inside the club believe it represents not only professional suitability but also genuine goodwill.
Sources suggest that talks have entered advanced stages, with Rangers preparing a “long-term offer” that reflects both Coady’s quality and their financial blueprint. Ibrox insiders expect a formal proposal to appear within days.
Should Coady arrive, Martin would gain a leader in central defence and an ideal partner to champion his new tactical identity—anchoring a revamped backline and mentoring younger players like Nsiala. It’s a signing that unites the manager’s vision with the board’s mission: strengthening the spine of the team to challenge across domestic and European fronts.
As Rangers move swiftly in this evolving transfer window, their pursuit of Coady may yet prove to be the statement signing of Martin’s new era.
Godwin Obaje
