Rangers are stepping up their interest in Casper Widell as Excelsior open up to the idea of selling him this summer.
Emmanuel Fernandez and John Souttar have established themselves as Danny Rohl‘s first-choice centre-backs, but the German tactician is looking to strengthen his defence further this window.
With Nasser Djiga returning to Wolves after his loan stint, Leon King ending his long-term stint at Ibrox and Clinton Nsiala not in Rohl’s plans, Rangers are short of options at centre-back.
That is why Andrew Cavenagh and his recruitment team are looking to sign at least one new central defender this summer.
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Rangers to ramp up Widell talks
The Gers have been heavily linked with a move for Dundee’s Luke Graham, with an offer set to be tabled in the coming days.
However, the Scotland Under-21 international is not the only player the Premiership heavyweights are pursuing ahead of the 2026-27 season, as evidenced by their interest in Widell.
The Excelsior star has reportedly been on Rangers’ radar for a while, and they have tracked him this past season in the Netherlands.
According to GlasgowWorld, the Glasgwegian outfit are set to ramp up talks with Widell’s representatives over a move to G51.
With the 23-year-old entering the final year of his contract, the Dutch club have hinted that they are prepared to sell him for £2-£2.5million this window.
However, Widell has also attracted interest from Blackburn Rovers and Derby County, meaning Rangers have to act quickly and decisively if they want to acquire his services.
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Why Rohl wants Widell
Rangers are focusing on signing players with leadership credentials this summer after Rohl was heard demanding such players from Cavenagh after the defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle.
Widell ticks that box, having played every single minute of the Eredivisie season and wearing the captain’s armband for Excelsior on each of those occasions.
The Swede is right-footed, meaning he is a different profile to Graham, and it would be a great statement of intent from Cavenagh if he manages to sign both of them.
Rohl would not have to worry about his options in central defence if Widell and Graham join this summer.
