Aiming to make an instant statement, the 49ers have reportedly entered the race to sign an England international who Russell Martin is a fan of in a deal that could be worth £25m for Rangers this summer.
Russell Martin: Rangers need “new energy”
Beating out the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti, Martin quickly became Rangers’ top candidate before they decided to offer the former Southampton boss the job and end their managerial search. His first job since Premier League failure at St Mary’s, Martin will be desperate to see his time in Scotland go to plan and end in the ultimate success story.
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He could be ideal for the Scottish Premiership giants.
The new manager is well aware of the extent of the task at hand too, having told reporters after putting pen to paper to confirm his arrival: “The club needs new energy, it needs a fresh start. It’s been a tough time for the club and Rangers fans over the last however many years.”I think this will bring some fresh energy, it will bring some stability and it will hopefully bring a really exciting team on the pitch.
“That’s the end product and that’s what we all want, a team that wins and wins in a certain way and with a culture and environment that we all feel really aligned with and proud of.”
With new owners to match a new manager, Rangers have a huge summer ahead. The task at hand will be to bridge the gap on Scottish Premiership champions and Old Firm rivals Celtic, but whether that will happen in the space of a year is the big question.
To do that, the 49ers are reportedly aiming to back the Gers in the transfer window with some much-needed additions, which could yet include the likes of Conor Coady and one other Premier League ace that Martin knows well.
Rangers now battling to sign Ramsdale
According to Sports Boom, the 49ers have now entered the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale for Rangers this summer. Martin is reportedly a fan of the shot-stopper following their work together at Southampton and could now get the chance to reunite with the England international if those at Ibrox make their move.
The deal won’t come cheap, however. Ramsdale reportedly has a relegation release clause worth £25m this summer and has attracted interest from the likes of West Ham United as a result. Whether Martin’s admiration will make the difference for Rangers remains to be seen.
The former Southampton boss was never shy with his praise for the goalkeeper during his time at St Mary’s, telling reporters following a rare victory against Everton: “For me, he’s a complete goalkeeper that we’re really lucky to have and we have to enjoy it.
“He has such high standards and I’m pleased for him. He keeps a clean sheet and I think he has an appreciation of what we’re trying to be. He’s just desperate to help us and he has done.”
Following Jack Butland’s difficult campaign too, Ramsdale’s arrival would undoubtedly hand Rangers a major upgrade in the goalkeeping department ahead of a crucial season.
