Rangers Set to Sign 22-year-old Wolves Defender – Report | OneFootball

Nasser Djiga in Line for Rangers Loan After Frustrating Start at Wolves

Wolves defender Nasser Djiga is edging closer to a loan move to Rangers, with talks underway that could see the 22-year-old spend the 2025/26 season in the Scottish Premiership. As first reported by the Express & Star, the highly-rated centre-back is seeking more game time after a challenging start to life in the Premier League.

Djiga arrived at Molineux on January deadline day from Red Star Belgrade for a fee in the region of £10million. Despite the investment and promise he brought from Serbia, his debut campaign in English football has been limited to just six appearances in total, five of which came in the league.

His only Premier League start was against Crystal Palace, a match in which he was substituted at half-time. With Vitor Pereira often favouring more experienced options, Djiga’s opportunities to impress remained scarce.

Photo: IMAGO

Rangers Move Offers Regular Football and Fresh Start

Sources close to the situation indicate that Djiga is “in talks to join Scottish Premiership side Rangers, under new boss Russell Martin.” This proposed switch presents a vital chance for the Burkinabé international to get his career back on track after a stop-start six months in the Midlands.

Martin, who has taken charge at Ibrox this summer, is actively reshaping his squad and sees Djiga as a player with high upside. With Rangers set to compete in Europe and on multiple domestic fronts, depth in central defence is a clear priority.

Wolves remain hopeful that a strong loan spell could help Djiga return sharper and more ready for Premier League football. While not confirmed, it is expected that the deal would not include an option to buy, signalling that Wolves still view Djiga as a long-term prospect.

Wolves’ Defensive Depth Key to Loan Decision

Wolves’ willingness to let Djiga leave temporarily is also influenced by their current centre-back depth. With Craig Dawson, Max Kilman and Santiago Bueno still at the club and academy talents pushing for involvement, minutes for Djiga were going to be limited once again.

Given the investment and expectations around his signing, it is crucial Wolves manage Djiga’s development carefully. A spell at Rangers, where the pressure is high and the football competitive, could be the ideal stepping stone.

Why This Move Makes Sense for All Parties

Loan moves, especially for young defenders, have proven effective in recent years. Djiga’s physicality and style should suit the Scottish Premiership, and playing under a possession-oriented coach like Martin could refine his decision-making and passing ability.

At just 22, Djiga has time on his side. Wolves’ decision to explore this loan option suggests a longer-term strategy, one that prioritises player growth over short-term retention.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Wolves supporter’s perspective, this potential loan to Rangers feels like the right step at the right time. Djiga came in with promise, but anyone who saw him against Crystal Palace could tell he needed time to adjust. Being hooked at half-time wasn’t a great sign, and Pereira clearly didn’t fancy him for the relegation battle.

But that doesn’t mean the club should give up. Rangers is a strong, historic side with European exposure and high expectations every week. That pressure will force Djiga to grow. If he plays 30 or 40 games up there, that’s going to be more valuable than sitting on our bench and collecting minutes in the cup.

We’ve seen Wolves handle similar loan pathways with other players. It’s about returning stronger and more prepared. If he shows progress and confidence, we could see a completely different version of Djiga by next summer.

Fans will want to see some end product from the £10m fee, and rightly so, but he’s 22. Let’s give him the platform to prove his worth — and Rangers might just be the perfect one.