It’s been a whirlwind summer at Ibrox, and things are only heating up further as Rangers prepare for their first competitive clash of the new season under Russell Martin.
With just five days to go before Martin’s dugout debut — a high-stakes Champions League qualifier against Greek side Panathinaikos — the former Southampton boss is deep into a rebuild, having added seven new signings already. All of them are expected to be registered for the two-legged showdown with the 1971 European Cup finalists.
But Martin’s work is far from finished. Backed by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises to the tune of £20 million, both he and sporting director Kevin Thelwell are still pursuing reinforcements across several key positions. However, the need to balance the books means Rangers could offload a number of players before the transfer window shuts.
Ianis Hagi
The Romanian midfielder left Rangers when his contract expired last month and remains a free agent. Though reportedly turning down an offer from Legia Warsaw, interest from Germany and Italy appears to have cooled.
His father, football legend Gheorghe Hagi, ruled out any chance of a shock return to Glasgow, saying:
“He’s closed that chapter. He did well at Rangers, but now he’s moving on. Any decision on his future will be 100% his.”
Weslley Patati
Rangers are now reportedly targeting Brazilian winger Weslley Patati, a key figure in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s title-winning season with 13 goals and 10 assists.
While Patati is also attracting interest from AZ Alkmaar, his future at Maccabi is in doubt after contract talks stalled. His representatives are unhappy with the current terms offered, especially given the club’s £8.6 million valuation of the player.
“They want €10m for him but pay him like a bench player,” a source told Ynet.
Hamza Igamane
Despite being part of Rangers’ preseason camp, Moroccan striker Hamza Igamane is being closely watched by French side Lille, though they’ve so far resisted the club’s £15 million price tag.
Gers legend Derek Ferguson believes Igamane is unhappy and possibly angling for a move.
“He hasn’t featured in some friendlies, maybe to avoid injury. I think he’d jump at the chance to leave,” Ferguson said.
Robin Pröpper
The Dutch centre-back appears on his way out, with FC Twente interested in bringing him back just a year after selling him to Rangers.
While contract issues are delaying a deal, Twente sporting director Jan Streuer remains optimistic:
“It’s looking positive. He didn’t travel with Rangers for their training camp, but you never know in football.”
Luuk de Jong
Veteran striker Luuk de Jong, who helped PSV Eindhoven to the Eredivisie title with 14 goals last season, is reportedly being monitored by Rangers.
With his PSV contract expired and Alassane Plea arriving as a replacement, the Dutch giants may not stand in his way.
“I would’ve liked to keep him, but we had to move on,” said PSV boss Peter Bosz.
Samuels-Smith
The Chelsea teenager was linked with a loan move to Ibrox to bolster depth at left-back, but the 17-year-old England youth international is now reportedly close to a loan switch to Strasbourg, another BlueCo-owned club under the same umbrella as Chelsea.
What’s Next for Rangers?
With Champions League qualifiers looming and a revamped squad still taking shape, the coming weeks could define Russell Martin’s debut season. More arrivals are likely — but they’ll depend on who heads for the exit door first. Expect more twists in this ever-evolving summer saga at Ibrox.
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