Rangers Plotting Summer Move For This Former Scotland Youth International: Why He Would Bolster Their Midfield | OneFootball

If a recent update from transfer insider Pete O’Rourke is believed to be true, Rangers are keeping close tabs on midfield ace Jordan Holsgrove ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race, with Edinburgh hotshots Hearts and Hibernian, along with several Turkish outfits, also keen on triggering his low buy-out clause at Estoril.

The 26-year-old former Scotland youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Reading south of the border. He then plied his trade in Spain to join third-tier side Atlético Baleares on loan for regular game time, and was eventually snapped up by Celta in September 2020 on a Bosman. Except for a few first-team appearances, Holsgrove featured for their reserves in the lower leagues of Spanish football, and after two years in Vigo, the Scotsman left as a free agent in favour of a transfer to Portuguese outfit Paços de Ferreira.

Greek giants Olympiacos signed for €520,000 a year later, but sent him back to Primeira Liga, this time at Estoril on an initial season-long loan. Despite being sidelined for the second half of the 2023-24 season, the Canaries tied him down last summer on a four-year contract.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 22: Joe Rothwell of Rangers runs with the ball Facundo Pellistri of Panathinaikos during the UEFA Champions League Second Qualifying Round First Leg match between Rangers and Panathinaikos at Ibrox Stadium on July 22, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Since returning from his injury last September, Holsgrove looked majestic as a deep-lying playmaker. He was ever-present in the Estoril midfield, and his calmness, composure and all-round traits could now see him script a homecoming.

Born in Edinburgh during his father Paul’s tenure at Hibs, it could be an emotional return for the midfielder if he moves to Easter Road. However, joining the Light Blues would be a more ambitious switch for Holsgrove, given their ongoing transition under Russell Martin.

Why Rangers Are Keen On The Scotsman

Despite a dreadful draw against Motherwell in the league opener, Rangers are going strong in Europe, as they aim for a berth in the Champions League main draw. They have received a significant financial boost following the Andrew Cavenagh-led 49ers Enterprises takeover, and Kevin Thelwell, their newly appointed sporting director, is driving multiple transfer talks, having recruited an array of new names already so far this summer.

The addition of Lyall Cameron and Joe Rothwell has strengthened the Gers in the centre of the pitch, on top of the existing options in Nicolas Raskin, Mohamed Diomande, Connor Barron, Kieran Dowell and Bailey Rice. But they need someone to challenge and cover Rothwell at the base of Martin’s three-man midfield setup. The other midfielders are more suited for box-to-box roles, and Holsgrove, therefore, should grab this opportunity, having exhibited his expertise as a ‘number six’ in Portugal.