Rangers issue firm response in free-agent discussions as Coventry and Ipswich face major decision

Rangers provided a decisive answer during talks over the potential signing of a free agent for Danny Rohl, leaving Coventry City and Ipswich Town to weigh up their own options.

Rangers react to free transfer opportunity

Despite enduring a dreadful start to the season, Rangers were not in a position where they needed to panic during the January transfer window. The Gers avoided scrambling for unattached players such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the 49ers instead choosing to fully support Danny Rohl by recruiting players like Andreas Skov Olsen and Ryan Naderi.

Those additions, alongside Tuur Rommens and Tochi Chukwuani, have strengthened Rohl’s squad considerably as they push for what would be a remarkable revival in the Scottish Premiership title race. After the disappointment experienced under Russell Martin, Rangers now find themselves dreaming of a dramatic turnaround under the former Sheffield Wednesday manager.

Rangers’ January signings

Rangers’ winter business reflected a clear strategy backed by the 49ers ownership group:

• Andreas Skov Olsen (Loan with option) – Wolfsburg – £9m
• Tuur Rommens – KVC Westerlo – £3m
• Tochi Chukwuani – Sturm Graz – £4m
• Ryan Naderi – Hansa Rostock – £4.7m

Rather than seeking short-term free-agent fixes, Rangers invested in players they believe can contribute immediately and potentially long-term. That approach underlined the club’s confidence in Rohl and their commitment to building something sustainable rather than making reactive decisions.

The backing from the American owners may not stop there either. Even if Rangers ultimately fall short in the title race this season, reports suggest that the 49ers are already planning further reinforcements. One name said to be on their radar is Lassana Coulibaly, who previously spent time on loan at Ibrox.

Coulibaly, now with Lecce, featured for Rangers during the 2018/19 campaign but did not secure a permanent transfer at the time. Seven years on, however, circumstances could align for a potential return to Glasgow during the upcoming summer window.

Another former Ranger has also been linked with a return. Todd Cantwell has yet to commit to a new deal at Blackburn Rovers, and club executive Rudy Gestede recently acknowledged that Blackburn may struggle to meet the midfielder’s wage expectations.

Under the financial strength of the 49ers, Rangers might not encounter the same limitations. However, whether the club would choose to bring Cantwell back remains uncertain, as squad planning and long-term strategy will likely determine any decision.

Rangers turn down Jesse Lingard opportunity

It would not be the first time the 49ers have taken a firm and uncompromising stance in the transfer market. According to TeamTalk, Rangers were recently offered the chance to open negotiations with Jesse Lingard regarding a potential free transfer. However, the club chose to decline the opportunity.

Lingard, currently without a club, had been exploring options for his next move. Rangers were among several teams approached about holding discussions, but they opted against pursuing a deal.

Championship sides Ipswich Town and Coventry City were reportedly presented with the same opportunity. Yet, similar to Rangers, neither English club decided to move forward with negotiations. As a result, Lingard is now expected to complete a switch to Brazil.

What lies ahead for Lingard?

At 33 years old, Lingard finds himself at a significant crossroads in his career. The former Manchester United attacking midfielder spent two years playing in Japan with FC Seoul before ending his time there and beginning the search for his next destination.

A return to British football appeared to be his preferred outcome. Alongside Rangers, his representatives are said to have contacted both Ipswich and Coventry — two clubs currently pushing for promotion in the Championship.

Rangers’ refusal to engage in talks effectively left the English sides with an important decision to make. Ultimately, like the Gers, both Ipswich and Coventry chose not to pursue a deal for the experienced midfielder.

Instead, Lingard is now reportedly on course to join Brazilian club Remo for the remainder of the season, marking a new chapter in his career. The move would see him take on a fresh challenge in South America, something he has not experienced before.

A case of what might have been

There may be individuals at Ibrox, as well as within Coventry and Ipswich, who wonder how Lingard might have fit into their respective squads. His experience at the highest level, including in the Premier League and on the international stage with England, could have provided valuable leadership and attacking creativity.

However, all three clubs ultimately decided against taking that gamble. Rangers, in particular, appear content with the direction they are heading under Rohl and the players already brought in during January. Their refusal highlights a clear commitment to their current project rather than being swayed by high-profile names available on a free transfer.

For Lingard, the decision by Rangers, Ipswich, and Coventry closes one door but opens another. A move to Brazil with Remo represents both a fresh start and a bold new adventure at this stage of his career.

As Rangers continue their pursuit of domestic success and long-term stability under the 49ers, Lingard prepares to embrace a new challenge far from British football — leaving behind the lingering question of what might have unfolded had any of those clubs chosen differently.

A 33-year-old has reached an agreement to move from Rangers to Southampton

A 33-year-old coach is set to swap Glasgow for England’s south coast after agreeing a move from Rangers F.C. to Southampton F.C., according to reports.

Liam Ross, who has been working with Rangers’ Under-19 side, is leaving Ibrox to take up a new position within Southampton’s academy structure. The news was first reported by The Rangers Review, which states that the deal has been finalised, with only an official announcement remaining.

Ross’s departure marks the end of a relatively brief spell with the Glasgow club. He joined Rangers’ youth setup after Steven Smith became part of Danny Rohl’s coaching staff, and since then has played an important role in the development of the club’s U19 players. Despite his short tenure, Ross built a reputation as a diligent and progressive coach, contributing to the pathway designed to prepare young talents for senior football.

Still only 33, Ross has already accumulated a wide range of experience across different roles in the game. His coaching journey began at Dundee United F.C., where he took on several responsibilities, including assistant manager at Under-21 level, performance manager, and match analyst. These varied positions allowed him to gain insight into both the tactical and analytical sides of football, equipping him with a broad skill set that has clearly enhanced his coaching profile.

In addition to his time at Dundee United, Ross also spent a period working with Swansea City A.F.C.. That experience further diversified his background and exposed him to different footballing philosophies and academy environments. Such exposure is likely to have strengthened his credentials and made him an attractive candidate for a club like Southampton, known for placing significant emphasis on youth development.

At Rangers, Ross was part of a structure aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. The club has long prided itself on developing young players capable of stepping into the first team, and Ross contributed to that objective through his work with the Under-19 squad. However, his stay in Glasgow has proved to be a short one, as the opportunity to join a Championship side with a celebrated academy record was one he ultimately chose to accept.

The report indicates that Rangers are preparing to confirm his exit formally and will soon provide clarity on who will replace him. In the meantime, Malky Thomson is expected to oversee the Under-19s, with preparations already under way to ensure continuity within the youth ranks.

For Ross, the move represents a significant step in his career. It will be his first coaching role in England, and joining Southampton offers the chance to be part of one of the country’s most respected academy systems. Southampton’s commitment to youth development is well established, and their academy has consistently produced players who have gone on to enjoy success at the highest level of the game.

The south coast club has built a reputation over decades for identifying, nurturing, and promoting young talent. Perhaps the most famous graduate of their academy is Gareth Bale, who developed at Southampton before earning a high-profile move to Tottenham Hotspur and later securing a then-record transfer to Real Madrid. During his time in Spain, Bale won five UEFA Champions League titles and became one of the most recognisable figures in world football.

Another iconic name to emerge from Southampton’s system is Alan Shearer, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in English football history and the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer. His prolific career serves as a testament to the strong developmental foundations laid during his formative years.

Supporters also fondly remember Matt Le Tissier, often described as one of the club’s finest-ever players. Renowned for his technical brilliance and loyalty to Southampton, Le Tissier became a symbol of the club during his playing days.

In more recent decades, Southampton’s academy has continued to thrive. Players such as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Luke Shaw have all progressed through the youth ranks before securing major moves and representing England at international level. Kevin Phillips is another notable product of the club’s system, enjoying a distinguished professional career that included winning the European Golden Shoe.

Given this impressive history, it is easy to see why Ross would view the move as an exciting opportunity. Working within an academy that has consistently delivered top-level talent offers both prestige and the chance to contribute to a proven development pathway. Southampton’s philosophy has long centred on giving young players a platform to grow, and Ross will now have the opportunity to help shape the next generation of prospects.

For Rangers, Ross’s departure is undoubtedly a loss, but it also reflects the regard in which their coaching staff are held. Producing coaches capable of stepping into roles at ambitious English clubs highlights the strength of their own developmental framework behind the scenes.

Ultimately, Ross’s decision signals a new chapter in his coaching career. Having already gathered experience across Scotland and Wales, he now takes his first step into English football with a club synonymous with academy excellence. If Southampton’s track record is any indication, he will be joining an environment rich in opportunity and expectation, where the focus on youth remains central to the club’s identity.