Robin Propper admits he was looking to leave Rangers the whole time

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Ibrox Noise

·28 July 2025

Robin Propper admits he was looking to leave Rangers the whole time

Robin Propper has effectively confirmed what Ibrox Noise reported when he originally signed last summer – he didn’t want to join Rangers or leave Twente in the first place and Robin Propper’s Rangers exit was coming.

The Dutch defender, an inexplicable signing from FC Twente in the summer of 2024, was a knee-jerk reaction to Rangers losing Connor Goldson, with Philippe Clement and Nils Koppen’s judgment leading to adding the centre-back from Holland who had never left his country before.

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While inferring he did appreciate his time at Rangers, Robin Propper’s Rangers exit was inevitable:

“But it feels amazing to return to the club where I felt completely at home and really enjoyed myself. From the first two days back, I immediately felt that same good vibe again.”

This was a very poor judgement call from Rangers last summer – dragging a player who didn’t want to leave his club away, giving him a financial incentive to do so and then costing itself in the medium term by having to compensate him over the contract when he left.

Propper’s ambition had been to make the Champions League with Twente, but attracted by Rangers’ salary offer and the chance to try a different league, he also made a bad decision himself in leaving Holland just when they achieved third place and UEFA’s Promised Land.

Now he goes home, and they don’t have the UCL this season.

His comments on Rangers are clear:

“First of all, I want to say I had an incredible experience at a fantastic club with a rich history. I always wanted to experience football in a different environment during my career. I can now say I’ve done that.”

He has nothing bad to say about Rangers, only positive things and that’s fair play, but he also suggests he was eyeing up a move home the whole time:

“That started with Arnold Bruggink. He stayed in touch with me throughout the year. He even came to Glasgow to see how I was doing and where I was living. That kind of personal connection was always there, and I really appreciated it. I also spoke to a lot of the guys, including Ricky. I already had strong ties here after playing three years for Twente and enjoying it so much. So that contact was ongoing all year. Of course, you still need to sort out the contractual side of things, but that was just a matter of time. I’m really happy everything worked out.”

AKA the whole time he was in Glasgow he was still liaising with Twente – this was not a good move for him or Rangers. He was far from committed to Rangers.

This is why forensic examination of players and intent is vital – the club has to know the player is truly committed and wants the move.

Propper didn’t, and it’s cost Rangers time and money.

Lesson learned?