Rangers Set To Rope In This Premier League Defender: Best Possible Deal For All Parties Involved? | OneFootball

In one of his recent updates via X, Italian transfer expert Matteo Moretto has shared an update on Max Aarons. Rangers boss Russell Martin is closing in on the Bournemouth right-back, who is expected to join them on a season-long loan after failing to stake a claim in Andoni Iraola’s plans.

The 25-year-old former England youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Luton Town and Norwich City before securing a senior status for the Canaries since the inception of the 2018-19 season. After more than 200 games across the top two tiers, Aarons earned a £7m transfer to Bournemouth in the summer of 2023.

Despite featuring 23 times in his maiden campaign for the Dorset-based outfit, the Englishman slipped down the pecking order behind Adam Smith and the summer signing Julián Araujo. The Cherries sent him out on loan to Valencia earlier this year, but the La Liga side opted not to make the move permanent following just five appearances in all competitions.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – APRIL 13: Max Aarons of AFC Bournemouth holds off Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on April 13, 2024, in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Although he still has four years left in his Dean Court contract, a fresh challenge elsewhere would be the best possible scenario for all parties involved. Rangers are eyeing a rebuild under Martin, and a spell under the Scotsman might see him revive his Bournemouth career.

Why Rangers Would Benefit From The Deal

The Light Blues, on paper, are well equipped on the right with skipper James Tavernier and Dujon Sterling challenging each other for the starting spot. Left-back Ridvan Yilmaz was also deployed as a makeshift option by interim boss Barry Ferguson, yet they are facing a crisis due to form and fitness concerns.

Tavernier, 33, is well past his prime and has often been criticised for his frailty in the defensive third. His marauding runs, crosses, cut-insides and set-pieces lacked the end product, and the gaffer, therefore, must bring in a long-term successor of the veteran right fullback. Sterling is more suited as a utility player both in defence and midfield, and Yilmaz, having been vastly injured during his time in Scotland, could return to Turkey amid interest from his boyhood club, Besiktas.

Known for his ball-carrying ability, dribbling, passing, and defensive concentration, the Bournemouth outcast is expected to fit in Martin’s style of football. His tactical awareness and ball-holding trait would minimise mistakes while playing it out from the back. Jefte’s arrival has restored stability down the left, and a player of Aaron’s profile should bring a balance on the other flank between attack and defence.