Journalist: Rangers tipped to land experienced targets to fix leaky defence | OneFootball

Rangers Eye Premier League Talent as Russell Martin Begins Ibrox Rebuild

£20m summer budget sparks links to Vardy, Coady, and Toffolo

Rangers are poised for a busy summer of recruitment, with new manager Russell Martin already linked to a string of Premier League names as he looks to reshape a squad that fell significantly short last season.

Following his appointment, Martin is wasting no time in identifying key areas for improvement. Backed by a reported £20 million budget, the Englishman appears to be prioritising experience and defensive stability—both glaring weaknesses in a Rangers side that finished 15 points adrift of Celtic in the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership.

Coady, Vardy… and Now Toffolo?

Among the early names linked with a move to Ibrox is Conor Coady, the experienced former Wolves and Everton centre-half. Martin is reportedly keen to bolster a leaky backline that conceded 41 goals in 38 league games, with only four clean sheets on the road.

In a surprise development, Jamie Vardy has also emerged as a potential target. The 37-year-old striker—now a free agent following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League—is rumoured to be open to one final challenge in his storied career.

And now, per The Scottish Sun (7 June), Harry Toffolo is the latest Premier League player to appear on Martin’s radar. The 29-year-old left-back is expected to leave Nottingham Forest this summer, having slipped down the pecking order at the City Ground.

Photo: IMAGO

Toffolo: Experience at a Cut Price

Toffolo joined Forest in 2022 and has since made 57 appearances, registering one goal and four assists. However, he featured just seven times in the 2024/25 season, with only four Premier League outings, as injuries and tactical shifts limited his involvement.

With his contract set to expire and no clear future at Forest, Toffolo is believed to be keen on a move to Glasgow, offering a low-cost, high-experience option for Martin as he seeks to address Rangers’ defensive imbalance.

Ridvan Exit Paves the Way?

While Martin inherits Ridvan Yilmaz and Borna Barišić in the left-back role, Yilmaz has been linked with a potential exit, which would create space for a new recruit. Toffolo’s Premier League pedigree, combined with his availability, makes him a logical candidate—particularly given Rangers’ recent transfer emphasis on British-based players.

Defensive Reinforcements a Priority

Martin has made no public comment yet on specific targets, but the profile of the players linked so far—Coady and Toffolo defensively, Vardy in attack—suggests a clear focus on experienced professionals with proven track records.

The defence remains a glaring weakness. Rangers struggled particularly away from Ibrox last term, often unable to impose their shape or control games. That vulnerability ultimately cost them in the title race.

Bringing in seasoned campaigners with leadership qualities could be the remedy. Coady, a vocal presence at the back, and Toffolo, a dependable full-back when fit, could provide a much-needed backbone for Martin’s evolving squad.

Looking Ahead to 2025/26

With the transfer window now open, the onus is on Rangers’ recruitment team to act swiftly. The foundations of a new-look side are being laid, but time is of the essence.

The Ibrox faithful will be eager to see statements of intent not just in rumours, but in signings. If Rangers are serious about dethroning Celtic, a decisive and intelligent summer window is the first—and most vital—step.