Rangers eager to strike swift agreement for £2.5m-rated player

Rangers manager Danny Röhl is expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements this summer after concerns over the club’s backline during the Scottish Premiership campaign.

Although the Ibrox side have already strengthened in attack with the arrival of Lawrence Shankland from Hearts, defensive issues remain an area requiring attention. Rangers conceded more goals than any other side in the Premiership’s top four last season, with their record of 43 goals shipped highlighting the need for improvement.

The Light Blues also ended the campaign without a clean sheet in their final eight league matches, underlining why new defensive options are being targeted ahead of the transfer window.

Dundee centre-back Luke Graham has already been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, with reports suggesting Rangers are currently leading the race for the young Scottish defender. However, questions remain over how smoothly the left-footed centre-back could adapt from a struggling Dundee side to the heightened expectations at Rangers.

Attention has now turned toward an alternative option abroad, with Swedish defender Casper Widell emerging as a serious target.

According to reports, Rangers are actively pushing to secure a swift agreement for the Excelsior centre-back, with the club keen to avoid competition from rival suitors. Widell, who has just one year remaining on his contract in the Netherlands, is believed to be available for a fee in the region of £2 million to £2.5 million.

Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers and Derby County are also thought to be monitoring the situation, prompting Rangers to accelerate their efforts in a bid to win the race for his signature.

While Graham represents an appealing domestic option with Scottish Premiership experience, Widell may offer a profile better suited to the demands of playing for Rangers.

Unlike defenders at Dundee, Rangers centre-backs are expected to play a key role in possession, regularly operating high up the pitch and helping dictate matches. Widell’s performances in the Eredivisie have reportedly demonstrated strong composure on the ball alongside his defensive qualities, suggesting he could adapt more naturally to a possession-based system.

The Swedish defender has also impressed physically, winning a strong percentage of his duels while earning praise for his leadership qualities.

For Rangers, Widell may represent a lower-risk option capable of stepping straight into the side, making him an increasingly attractive target as the club looks to tighten up defensively before the new season begins.