Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Wed 16 April 2025 8:10, UK

Rangers face a key summer in the transfer market as pressure builds to compete with Celtic for the Scottish league title once again.

Gers fans are buoyed by the potential funds which could be injected via the highly discussed American takeover, led by Paraag Marathe and Andrew Cavenagh.

However, as well as established stars, there could be moves made for some of the exciting talent potentially available south of the border.

Rangers interested in Premier League star after contract rejection

Rangers are shrouded in uncertainty at present, in terms of who will oversee operations at Ibrox and who will be in the dugout when the curtain is raised on the 2025-26 season.

It’s a campaign Gers fans can’t see approach quick enough following their dismal domestic exploits this time around; however, the Europa League is providing the excitement and not for the first time.

It’s also giving a platform for Govan legend Barry Ferguson to stake his claim to continue in his post beyond the summer, even despite the list of names Marathe and Cavenagh may be keeping tucked away in their little books.

In terms of the transfer market, it will undoubtedly be another busy one, and now Rangers have registered an interest in a Premier League academy prodigy who has turned down a contract.

According to the Scottish Sun (15 April), Gers are rivalling Celtic as they track Crystal Palace winger Jesse Derry, son of former Premier League midfielder Shaun.

England youth international Derry has rejected a professional deal at Selhurst Park which makes him available this summer, with European clubs also keeping him on their radar including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

A compensation fee would be payable due to Derry’s age of just 17, though this is likely to be considered worthwhile due to his impact in Palace’s Under-21s side this season.

And it appears the Gers have taken the first step towards signing the young talent having personally expressed their interest.

Ibrox has been home to several exciting young players

Rangers have given plenty of youngsters their first-team opportunity down the years and a new crop are beginning to be increasingly thrust into the spotlight.

Bailey Rice has perhaps been the most impressive of this season, handed a start by Ferguson in the first leg of the eagerly-watched Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club.

Zak Lovelace was brought up to Govan from South London in similar circumstances, joining Rangers aged 16 after making his Millwall debut. Lovelace did however return to The Den late in the last transfer window.

Derry could potentially have an exciting first-team path ahead of him if he makes the switch to Ibrox amid all the illustrious competition on the continent.