Rangers Eyeing Swoop For This Experienced Premier League Centre-back: Why Martin Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from Record Sport is believed to be true, newly appointed Rangers boss Russell Martin is eyeing a summer swoop for Conor Coady. The Leicester City centre-back has a year left on his contract at the King Power. However, the Foxes’ relegation from the Premier League, along with their managerial situation, means he could now ply his trade at Ibrox.

The 32-year-old England international progressed through the youth ranks of Liverpool but only made two senior appearances for the Merseysiders. After a productive loan spell with the then third-tier outfit Sheffield United, Coady completed a £500,000 transfer to Huddersfield Town in the Championship.

Wolves snapped him up for £2m a year later, and the centre-half, having featured as a defensive midfielder early in his career, was moved to the centre of a three-man backline from the 2017-18 season onwards. The decision made by Nuno Espirito Santo proved to be a masterstroke, as the Three Lions star played a key role in their top-flight promotion.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Conor Coady of Leicester City is put under pressure by Alexander Isak of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Leicester City FC at St James’ Park on December 14, 2024, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Despite featuring week in and week out till 2021-22, Coady joined Everton on an initial season-long loan. But Kevin Thelwell, their former director of football, who is now working as Rangers’ sporting director, opted not to trigger the option-to-buy clause allowing Jarrad Branthwaite to flourish at the senior level.

Why Rangers Must Snap Up The Veteran Englishman

Despite a below-par stint with Leicester due to form and fitness concerns, Thelwell could back the new manager who rejected the Foxes in favour of a Glasgow switch. The Gers have parted ways with Leon Balogun upon the expiry of his Ibrox contract. Also, loan signings Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Rafael Fernandes have returned to Feyenoord and Lille, respectively, after failing to leave an impact. Robin Propper, one of their major summer recruits, is expected to return to FC Twente, having failed to cope with the physicality, pace and aggression of Scottish football. Youngsters Leon King and Clinton Nsiala are not ready for a regular senior status.

This leaves Rangers with John Souttar as the only outright senior central defensive option. Dujon Sterling could be useful for his flexibility across the backline. But they are in dire need of a specialist with quality and experience, capable of emulating Balogun’s impact in deep defence.

Although Coady endured difficulties last season in the Premier League, his resolute defending and leadership traits would bolster the Light Blues for the upcoming campaign. They are also eyeing a Bosman swoop for Almamy Toure, and the arrival of the pair for minuscule investment would allow the new owners to focus on other areas of the pitch.