The frantic search of Rangers for central defensive reinforcements may have been hiding in plain sight all along, with fresh developments in the Netherlands putting long-term target Casper Widell back in the spotlight.
Ibrox chiefs were dealt a frustrating blow when AC Milan hijacked a deal for primary target Sankhoun Diawara from ESTAC Troyes.
Meanwhile, alternative target Olwethu Makhanya remains locked in a bitter contractual dispute with Philadelphia Union, who have backtracked on a verbal promise to allow him to depart to Europe.
However, senior journalist Chris Jack revealed last week that Rangers are actively running parallel negotiations for an unnamed centre-back alongside their attempt for Diawara.
While many speculated Makhanya fits the description, 23-year-old Swedish defender Widell stands out as a prime candidate.
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Excelsior braces for Widell departure amid Rangers interest
Rangers first registered interest in Widell back in late May, when Swedish newspaper Expressen reported that the 6ft 3in former Sweden Under-21 international was set for a dream move following a standout campaign in the Netherlands.
Jack confirmed at the time that Rangers scouted him extensively over the course of last season.
After nearly two months of public silence, a concrete update emerged on Thursday, 23 July, from major Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad.
The excerpt read: “Casper Widell is expected to leave, but the question is when. As a result, Excelsior do not immediately have a direct replacement for Widell lined up.”
The admission from Dutch media confirms that Widell’s departure from Excelsior is an active certainty rather than idle speculation, with the club assessing potential replacement options.
Why Widell fits Derek McInnes’ defensive blueprint
Standing 1.92m tall, Widell made 35 appearances for Excelsior last season, captaining them on each of those occasions and establishing himself as an aggressive, physically commanding right-footed central defender.
Given that Widell’s brother, Melker Widell, plays in the EFL Championship for Swansea City, a move to British football is understandably touted as his preferred next destination.
While Derby County and Blackburn Rovers remain keen, the lure of European football and immediate starting opportunities at Ibrox presents an unmatched proposition.
With Diawara out of the equation and Makhanya’s situation in MLS becoming increasingly convoluted, pivoting back to a thoroughly scouted, ready-made target in Widell makes absolute sense.
If Widell is indeed the mystery defender Jack references, Derek McInnes‘ side could look to wrap up terms rapidly before the Scottish Premiership campaign kicks on 31 July.
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