Rangers Closing In On Premier League Teenager Amid Jefte’s Transfer: Smart Play From The Gers? | OneFootball

If a recent report from The Daily Record is believed to be true, Rangers are closing in on Jayden Meghoma ahead of their Champions League playoff clash against Club Brugge. The Brentford teenager is set to travel north of the border on a season-long loan and replace Jefte down the left, with the Brazilian returning to his homeland to complete a £6m transfer to Palmeiras.

The 19-year-old England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Tottenham Hotspur before joining Southampton in 2022 on an initial scholarship deal. He was handed his senior debut a year later, as the young left fullback played four Cup games under Russell Martin during the 2023-24 season. The Bees, impressed by his flair and finesse, splashed £5m to secure his services last summer.

After making his Premier League debut in December as a late substitute against Chelsea, Meghoma was loaned out to Preston North End earlier this year for regular minutes. He had an impressive stint in the Championship, and Brentford, who rate him highly, have now sanctioned another temporary switch.

Why Rangers Did Well To React To The Situation

Rangers are going through a transition since the Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers-led takeover this summer. They appointed Kevin Thelwell as the club’s new sporting director, and the former Everton director of football convinced Russell Martin to take up the vacant managerial position.

They utilised their contacts and connections in England to snap up Djeidi Gassama, Manny Fernandez, Thelo Aasgaard, Mikey Moore, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell and Nasser Djiga either on loan or on permanent transfers.

PRESTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 30: Matty Cash of Aston Villa is challenged by Jayden Meghoma of Preston North End during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Preston North End and Aston Villa at Deepdale on March 30, 2025 in Preston, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Light Blues have undergone a defensive overhaul, having lost Robin Propper and Leon Balogun in the heart of the backline. Djiga and Fernandez should restore parity in deep defence. However, Jefte’s potential departure would leave a void on the left, with Ridvan Yilmaz, surplus to requirements at Ibrox, expected to return to Turkey before the window shuts. Despite Max Aarons’ arrival on a season-long loan from Bournemouth, the club had to react and recruit another left fullback.

What He Would Offer Under His Former Boss

Primarily a right-back, Aarons has often been deployed from the left. But he might be required from the right amid concerns over James Tavernier’s frailties at the back. Versatile Dujon Sterling is ruled out for months, and the gaffer was forced to deploy Oscar Cortes as a makeshift left-back against Alloa Athletic in their League Cup encounter.

Meghoma demonstrated his defensive attributes at Deepdale, and his presence would offer a much-needed depth behind Aarons and Tavernier. His marauding runs, pace, and crossing traits would add energy to Martin’s brand of football, but his lack of top-flight experience might initially see him feature as the understudy to first-team fullbacks.