Report: Rangers plot £4m move as new boss targets South American talent | OneFootball

Report: Rangers Eye Vicente Pizarro as Russell Martin Begins Squad Rebuild

Russell Martin’s arrival at Ibrox marks a pivotal shift for Rangers, and the early signs suggest he is aiming high. According to TeamTalk, the club have set their sights on Chilean star Vicente Pizarro, with a £4 million transfer deal under serious consideration. The Colo-Colo midfielder, just 22 years old, has become one of the most talked-about talents in South American football and is now firmly on Rangers’ radar.

With Martin eager to stamp his identity on the squad, Pizarro could become his first marquee signing of the summer. It is a move that speaks to ambition and strategy, rather than mere sentiment. The Ibrox hierarchy appear fully behind Martin’s vision, and landing a player of Pizarro’s calibre would represent a significant statement.

Midfield maestro drawing European attention

Sources told TeamTalk that Vicente Pizarro is not only being tracked by Rangers but has also caught the eye of several top clubs in Europe, including Juventus and Valencia. Clubs from England are also said to be involved, though they have yet to be named. What is certain, however, is that Rangers are not alone in their admiration.

Pizarro’s current deal with Colo-Colo runs until December 2027, having been extended in 2024. However, a release clause is reportedly included, which could prove pivotal in Rangers’ negotiations. The £4 million fee being discussed is no small sum in the Scottish Premiership context, but it is still a relative bargain for a player of such clear potential.

“He’s got everything needed to succeed in Europe,” one source told TeamTalk. “Vision, composure, leadership and a real bite in the tackle.” It’s easy to see why scouts from across the continent have made the journey to Santiago.

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Russell Martin’s Ibrox vision begins to take shape

Martin, still just 39, is embarking on his biggest managerial challenge yet. Despite a disappointing spell at Southampton, he remains highly regarded in coaching circles and is remembered at Rangers for his short loan stint in 2018. That connection may yet strengthen his case when discussing his plans with potential signings like Pizarro.

“Rangers view Pizarro as an exciting talent who could bolster their midfield as they aim to compete in the Scottish Premiership and Europe,” TeamTalk reported.

The key word is ‘compete’. Rangers once again fell short in the title race in 2024–25, with Celtic finishing top. Martin has been tasked with closing that gap and potentially restoring domestic dominance. A signing like Pizarro wouldn’t just improve the squad, it would inspire belief among the support that the club is moving in the right direction.

The coming weeks will be crucial. With other clubs circling, Rangers must act decisively. Pizarro is said to be “keen on a move to a top European club and harbours ambition to test himself at the highest level,” TeamTalk noted. That aligns with the Scottish giants’ aspirations, but it also increases the urgency.

Colo-Colo are reluctant to part ways with their homegrown talent, especially after he helped them to the Chilean title in 2022. However, the clause in his contract gives buying clubs leverage, and Rangers could be well-positioned to take advantage if they move swiftly.

Blending youth and ambition for long-term success

In many ways, Pizarro symbolises the type of player Martin seems to value: technically sound, composed under pressure and with a hunger to grow. If Rangers are to rebuild effectively, they need more than just talent — they need players who buy into a vision and want to be part of a long-term project.

It is early days for Russell Martin, but his reported interest in Pizarro sends a clear message. Rangers are not settling for second-best and are looking far beyond British shores for quality. Whether they can win the race for Pizarro’s signature remains to be seen, but the intent is unmistakable.

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From a Rangers fan’s perspective, the pursuit of Vicente Pizarro feels like a breath of fresh air. Too often, the club has looked inward or shopped conservatively, but this rumour suggests a more modern, assertive approach to recruitment. Spending £4 million on a 22-year-old South American international, particularly one being tracked by Juventus and Valencia, is a bold move — but it’s exactly the sort of ambition the club needs.

Russell Martin may have doubters after his time at Southampton, but targeting someone like Pizarro shows he has a clear idea of how to elevate this team. A midfielder who can dictate tempo and bring calm to pressure situations is exactly what Rangers missed last season. Fans want to see flair and steel in midfield, and Pizarro reportedly offers both.

Moreover, bringing in a player with resale value is savvy. If Pizarro excels, Rangers stand to benefit both on the pitch and financially. The fact that he’s eager to test himself in Europe makes Ibrox a very logical stepping stone.

It won’t be easy to beat out the competition, but supporters will appreciate the club being in the conversation for top talent. This kind of deal could signal a new chapter — one where Rangers aren’t just reacting to Celtic’s dominance but actively building something of their own.