“These Signings Should be Completed Before Champions League Qualifiers” – Russell Martins Makes a BOLD CALL to 49ers as He is Keen on European Competition for Rangers

Russell Martin Issues Transfer Ultimatum as Rangers Eye Reinforcements Ahead of Panathinaikos Clash

Russell Martin has wasted no time in setting the tone at Ibrox, urging Rangers’ board to back him in the transfer market ahead of a vital Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos next month.

The newly appointed manager is preparing for his first campaign at the helm, and with pre-season around the corner, he has already made clear to the club’s American owners — 49ers Enterprises — and CEO Andrew Cavenagh that fresh additions are a priority if the club are to navigate a potentially treacherous path back to the Champions League group stages.

Speaking to Sky Sports on the day of his unveiling, Martin said: “We’ll need some help before that game for sure. But until we get in here and assess everyone, how many we’ll need before the game or how realistic that is… because football and the business and transfer window can be difficult. I’m pretty sure by then we’ll have one or two people [in], to help us add to the group.”

That need has been exacerbated by news that John Souttar will undergo surgery before the new season, leaving a gaping hole in defence. Record Sport reports that Rangers are in active talks to sign Conor Coady, though Wolves are also monitoring the Leicester City centre-half. The Herald notes a “strong interest” remains from Rangers’ side.

Almamy Touré, who is a free agent following his exit from FC Kaiserslautern, has also emerged as a defensive option. However, Kicker claims the Malian is currently leaning towards staying in Germany.

At right-back, Rangers remain hopeful of concluding a deal for Max Aarons, with The Times reporting that a loan move could be one of the first pieces of business under Martin. However, negotiations are proving complex, with the Premier League club still preferring a permanent transfer.

Up front, Cyriel Dessers appears close to an Ibrox exit, with AEK Athens pushing for his signature. Martin, seeking a new attacking profile, is reportedly open to selling the Nigerian if the price is right.

Club legend Colin Hendry believes the final call lies with Martin: “At the end of the day, his future will be down to Russell Martin,” Hendry told Coin Poker. “And he might have looked at everything, analysed, looked at his squad and decided that actually, he doesn’t fancy him. If that is the case and he is a sellable asset, then you have to say thanks and cheerio.”

But Hendry warned that finding a reliable replacement won’t be straightforward: “What I would say is that if he were to leave, then that money would have to be spent on reinforcements because replacing his goals won’t be easy.”

Dor Turgeman is one option under consideration, with One reporting that Maccabi Tel Aviv have placed a minimum £4.7million price tag on their striker.

Meanwhile, Rangers are stepping up their pursuit of Kwame Poku, with the 23-year-old approaching the end of his Peterborough contract. Posh director of football Barry Fry previously valued the winger at £5million plus add-ons, but a move outside England would now come at a reduced cost due to FIFA’s cross-border compensation rules.

Still, Rangers face competition. Lee Hendrie told FLW: “Kwame Poku, obviously lots of interest that surrounds Poku from Peterborough United.” Ipswich Town are believed to be among those tracking the Ghana international.

Martin’s message is clear: bolster the squad now or risk falling short in a critical early test of Rangers’ European ambitions.