Rangers Join The Race For This Swedish Centre-back: Why Rohl Must Get The Deal Done | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Swedish outlet Expressen is believed to be true, Rangers have registered their interest in Casper Widell ahead of a potential summer move. But they are not alone in the race, with the Championship duo Blackburn Rovers and Derby County also keeping close tabs on the Excelsior defensive ace.

The 23-year-old former Sweden youth international progressed through IK Wormo and Helsingborgs IF’s academy ranks before breaking into the latter’s first-team squad. There, he impressed in the heart of the backline, thus earning a €175k move to Dutch outfit Excelsior in the summer of 2023. Although they suffered relegation by the end of the 2023-24 season, Widell led them to clinch an immediate top-flight return and steadied the ship with a 13th-placed Eredivisie finish.

His elder brother, Melker, plays for Swansea City, and the Gers must step up the chase to get the deal done to prevent Casper from plying his trade south of the border. They need reinforcements in deep defence, particularly after a disappointing third-placed league finish.

PORTO, PORTUGAL – JANUARY 29: Nasser Djiga of Rangers warms up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Porto and Rangers FC at Estadio do Dragao on January 29, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Danny Rohl revived their campaign, overcoming the shambles and nightmares under Russell Martin. But the German chief could not get them over the line despite a series of dismal split-phase performances. Their defensive frailty was exposed in the decisive encounters, and the need for new signings was further highlighted by the return of Nasser Djiga and Derek Cornelius to Wolves and Marseille, respectively, upon the completion of their season-long loan stints.

Why Widell Might Fix Their Defensive Frailty

Rangers, currently left with John Souttar and Emmanuel Fernandez as the only senior centre-backs, are chasing several names, including Widell and Dundee’s Luke Graham. The Dee are playing hardball for their prized asset, rejecting Portsmouth’s £1.5m January bid, and the Glasgow giants are also exploring alternatives to resolve their crisis at the back.

At 6’3″, the young Swede is regarded for his aerial supremacy, concentration, timely blocks, no-nonsense clearances, ball progression from the deep, interceptions and leadership traits. He struggles at times against high pressing, but his presence as a centre-half would bolster the Light Blues, provided they retain Fernandez in the wake of the rumoured interest from the Premier League champions Arsenal.

Widell has entered the final 12 months of his Excelsior contract and is available for the right offer. The club would prefer a summer exit rather than lose him for nothing next year, and Rangers must negotiate a cut-price deal to secure his services ahead of the other suitors.