Russell Martin makes damning comment on Jefte’s Rangers future | OneFootball

Russell Martin has now confirmed what many Rangers fans suspected. Jefte simply has not shown the level required for a Rangers left back. The Brazilian had looked like a potential solution in that position but the manager has drawn a line under it. Rangers reject Jefte as left back and Rangers must look elsewhere to fix the glaring issue on the left side of defence.

That problem remains far from solved. The boss admitted Ridvan Yilmaz does not figure in his plans either. The Turkish international is currently in talks to finalise his departure from Ibrox. This development leaves Rangers without a single specialist left back ready to start in the first team. It is a staggering position to find themselves in just days before the Premiership begins.

His exact words:

Martin insists Max Aarons will continue in that role despite the Englishman’s struggles. He may be a capable player on the right but his left side work has looked shaky. Fans have grown frustrated watching his positioning suffer and his none-existent crossing from that side. The manager remains supportive but results and performances show a different story.

This ongoing left back issue now risks becoming a serious problem. Rangers reject Jefte as left back and the squad needs balance and right now that does not exist. Opposition sides will target that space knowing it is a soft point. Rangers must strengthen quickly or face the consequences on the pitch. They cannot rely on a short term solution that has already failed to convince.

The club’s failure to resolve this earlier leaves questions over their planning. Martin had months to secure a quality left back but Jefte clearly has not lived up to expectations. That risk fell flat and now the team lacks options. Ridvan’s inevitable exit closes another door and leaves Martin with a patched-up defence.

Supporters want answers and action. The team needs proper depth and competition on the left. No one in the current squad owns that shirt or looks like holding it for the season. The market still holds possibilities but time is running out. The board must deliver fast or face the reality of a flawed defence derailing early hopes.

If Martin truly believes this team can win trophies he must address the weak spots now. That starts at left back. Rangers cannot limp through games depending on makeshift defenders. The pressure rises with every match and the fans demand better from this rebuild.