Rangers could now ready bid to sign Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards as transfer news emerges
Rangers are seriously considering submitting a bid to sign Peterborough centre-back Ronnie Edwards and could ready an offer before the transfer window shuts.
According to Football Scotland, reporting on 17 August, the Gers’ lead UK scout was in attendance for the 20-year-old’s most recent outing, as his side recorded a 3-1 victory away at Barnsley.
The Guardian also shared in their transfer rumour column that Rangers and Premier League outfit Bournemouth could bid for the Englishman who is also attracting interest from West Ham.
Michael Beale is still keen on bringing in a new centre-back, having attempted moves to sign Nottingham Forest centre-back Jonathan Panzo and Leeds United’s Charlie Cresswell and now Edwards is the latest name to emerge in the pipeline for the Light Blues this summer.
Peterborough’s own chairman, Darragh MacAnthony, has spoken out on the future of the England Under-20 international.
“It’s an absolute joke Ronnie is still here,” MacAnthony admitted, in quotes reported by Football Scotland (17 August).
“We are all amazed and it’s not because we are being greedy or silly. He’s now far too good for us and I don’t believe he will still be with us when the season starts as he is made for some of the teams in the Premier League. This is not me making an advert for him, but clubs need to be serious and do the right deal.”
Edwards has long been one of the most exciting defensive talents in the EFL and is certainly ready for a big step in his career, and there may well be no better platform than at Rangers.
It’s unprecedented territory to see a club chief speak so openly regarding the future of one of his biggest and most prized assets and that a club should be “serious” if they want to sign them.
MacAnthony’s comments are certainly now opened the door for Rangers to make their move for Edwards’ services and the youngster could prove the perfect defensive reinforcement for Beale to finally seal his long-awaited defensive addition.
The 2022/23 campaign was a tremendous one for the Essex-born defender, having averaged two tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game from his 42 league outings [SofaScore], while also helping Peterborough keep 15 clean sheets in that time.
Such defensive prowess from the young “Rolls Royce” – as hailed by Peterborough chairman, Barry Fry – means he is ready for the next step in his career and there may be no better platform than Ibrox.
After the Peterborough chief’s comments and Rangers’ strong interest (BBC Sport, 16 August), it may not be long before the Light Blues ready a fresh bid to seal his signature.
In other Rangers news, Stephen McGowan believes that failure to reach the Champions League group stage, a potential £25m loss, could be “painful” for the Rangers directors, and further increase the pressure on Michael Beale.