4 Rangers transfer headlines as...

4 Rangers transfer headlines as Rabbi Matondo exit likely and Gers GIVE UP on… Read More 👇

Rangers have been active in the transfer market this summer, but several of their targets are slipping out of reach. The club has now abandoned its pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Leo Castledine, a 19-year-old playmaker who was on their radar for a potential loan deal. Despite their strong interest, negotiations stalled when Rangers insisted on including a future sale clause in the deal, a condition that Chelsea was not willing to accept. As a result, discussions have come to a halt, and it now seems unlikely that Castledine will make his way to Ibrox this summer.

Football Scotland initially reported Rangers’ interest in Castledine, highlighting the club’s efforts to strengthen their midfield options by bringing in young talent from one of England’s top clubs. However, with talks failing to progress since last week, the possibility of Castledine donning a Rangers shirt this season appears to be off the table. This development will undoubtedly disappoint fans who were hopeful of seeing the highly-rated teenager bolster their squad.

In addition to missing out on Castledine, Rangers have also had to abandon any hopes of signing Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Gustavo Puerta. The Colombian international had been linked with a move to Glasgow, especially since he shares the same agent as Oscar Cortes, a player Rangers had previously shown interest in. Contact was made with Leverkusen earlier in the year, but negotiations broke down, and no agreement could be reached. Despite rumors suggesting that Leverkusen were open to letting Puerta leave on loan, Rangers have not made any further approaches this summer. This is a blow for the club, which had been exploring various options to strengthen its midfield.

The disappointment for Rangers does not end there. Tommy Conway, a striker who had been linked with a move to Ibrox, is now on the verge of signing with Middlesbrough. The need for a new striker has been evident for Rangers, especially with the challenges they have faced in front of goal. Conway, who has impressed with his performances, was seen as a potential solution to this problem. However, it now appears that the 21-year-old is set to head to the Riverside Stadium instead, leaving Rangers to continue their search for a forward who can make a difference in their attack.

While Rangers have struggled to bring in new faces, they are also set to lose one of their own. Rabbi Matondo, the 23-year-old winger, is reportedly on his way out of the club, with Leeds United emerging as a strong contender for his signature. Matondo, who joined Rangers from Schalke, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency during his time in Glasgow. Leeds manager Daniel Farke is said to be keen on adding Matondo to his squad as the club looks to bolster its options on the wing.

The potential departure of Matondo comes after a summer of speculation about his future, with various clubs reportedly interested in securing his services. Leeds United’s interest, however, appears to be the most concrete, and with the player himself likely eager for a new challenge, a move to Elland Road could be on the cards. This would mark the end of Matondo’s stint at Rangers, where he has had mixed fortunes but will be remembered for his pace and potential.

For Rangers, this summer’s transfer window has been one of frustration, with several key targets slipping through their fingers. The club’s inability to secure deals for players like Castledine, Puerta, and Conway highlights the challenges they face in competing for top talent. As the window draws to a close, Rangers will need to regroup and refocus their efforts on bringing in the right players to strengthen their squad. Meanwhile, the departure of Matondo will free up some space in the team, but it also leaves a gap that will need to be filled.

As Rangers prepare for the new season, the pressure is on to ensure they have a squad capable of competing on all fronts. The disappointment of missing out on several key signings will be keenly felt, but there is still time for the club to make moves in the transfer market. Fans will be hoping that Rangers can pull off some late deals that will give them the strength and depth needed to challenge for silverware in the coming season.