Report: Rangers transfer talks reach final stage with Luton midfielder | OneFootball

Thelo Aasgaard Set for Rangers Switch as Russell Martin’s Rebuild Continues

Rising star edges closer to Ibrox move

Rangers look set to wrap up their fourth summer signing, with Norwegian international Thelo Aasgaard on the brink of joining from Luton Town. According to a report from the Daily Record, Aasgaard is expected to arrive in Glasgow within the next 48 hours to finalise terms on a long-term deal that would see him link up with Russell Martin’s new-look side.

The move comes as part of Martin’s early summer transfer drive, with Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and Emmanuel Fernandez already through the door. Rangers are in “the finer details” stage of negotiations with Luton, which is expected to include a significant fee and potential add-ons. The club is hoping to complete the deal in time for Aasgaard to feature in Sunday’s friendly against Club Brugge.

Impressive rise from Wigan to international stage

Aasgaard’s career trajectory has been rapid. After making the switch to Luton from Wigan Athletic just a year ago, the 23-year-old made a strong impression in the Championship, scoring 14 goals in his debut season. Despite Luton’s relegation to League One, the midfielder’s stock has risen, and his performances have attracted attention north of the border.

The former Wigan academy graduate also made his international debut for Norway last November, scoring in a 5–0 win against Moldova while sharing the pitch with stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. It was a symbolic moment for the young midfielder, and his progression hasn’t gone unnoticed by Ibrox officials.

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Russell Martin’s strategic rebuild

Aasgaard’s arrival is part of a strategic push by Martin and sporting director Kevin Thelwell to inject youth and versatility into the Rangers squad. With the Champions League qualifiers looming, the importance of bedding in new signings quickly cannot be overstated. “Martin is hopeful of getting the deal done before Gers’ first friendly against Club Brugge on Sunday,” the Daily Record report notes.

Conor Coady is another target on Rangers’ radar, and securing the experienced Leicester City defender would further bolster Martin’s defensive options. With a training camp at St George’s Park and a friendly with Middlesbrough ahead, the manager is clearly prioritising cohesion before the all-important European fixtures.

What Aasgaard brings to Rangers

At 23, Aasgaard offers flair, pressing energy, and end product from midfield — all attributes that have been lacking in Rangers’ engine room at times. “Aasgaard only joined the Hatters from Wigan a year ago and scored 14 goals,” the Daily Record points out — underlining just how impactful he was despite the team’s struggles.

His ability to score from midfield, combined with his growing international pedigree, gives Rangers a potentially game-changing option as they look to close the gap on Celtic and make a deeper run in Europe this season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Rangers fan’s perspective, this looks like a smart bit of business. Thelo Aasgaard might not yet be a household name, but his numbers from last season at Luton suggest he’s ready to make the step up. Scoring 14 goals in the Championship from midfield is no small feat — especially in a team that ended up being relegated. That output hints at both resilience and quality.

It’s also encouraging that he’s already made an impression on the international stage. Scoring on your Norway debut alongside the likes of Haaland and Ødegaard is a clear signal of potential. That kind of confidence and mentality could thrive in the Ibrox atmosphere.

What excites many supporters is that this signing appears to align with Martin’s identity as a manager: possession-based, energetic, and progressive. Aasgaard ticks the creative and attacking boxes, and if surrounded by the right structure, he could flourish.

That said, fans will also be cautious — Rangers have seen plenty of summer signings fail to hit the ground running. But this one feels different. He’s young, hungry, and still has something to prove after Luton’s relegation. With a solid pre-season and a bit of patience, Aasgaard could become a vital part of the Rangers midfield.

The hope now is that this deal is finalised swiftly — and that Aasgaard features against Club Brugge to give supporters an early glimpse of what’s to come.