Kevin Thelwell must prove his credentials by pipping Celtic to bargain deal
If Kevin Thelwell really wants to show Rangers fans he means business, then he must beat Celtic to midfielder’s signature.
Since arriving at Ibrox, Thelwell has overseen a flurry of arrivals. Some have been exciting prospects, others, such as Youseff Chermiti, more puzzling punts.
Thelwell has struggled to find players that fit what Rangers need, as shown in their poor start to the season.
He has the chance to gain the support of the Rangers fans if he can beat rivals Celtic to the signing.
Rangers and Celtic battle for midfielder’s signature
The Scottish clubs have had many battles over the year in the Old Firm Derby, but now face each other in the signing of former Sunderland midfielder Pierre Ekwah.
Ekwah left Sunderland to join Saint-Etienne in France, where he experienced relegation last season.
According to Scottish football writer Mark Hendry, the midfielder has been offered to a list of clubs on a free transfer after his contract was mutually terminated at the start of the month.
| Clubs | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Saint-Etienne 24/25 | 30 | 1 | 0 |
| Sunderland 23/24 | 42 | 5 | 2 |
| Sunderland 22/23 | 18 | 0 | 0 |
Ekwah played 29 games in Ligue 1, scoring just the one goal against Angers in a three-all draw back in February.
For Rangers, this is about more than filling a gap; it’s about proving sharpness in the market.
Celtic have been offered the same opportunity, according to reports, Thelwell cannot allow Rangers to come second in this race.
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What can Pierre Ekwah bring to Rangers
Ekwah is a versatile midfielder who operates mostly in a deeper role. He can play further up through the middle if needed.
Strong in tackles and aerial duels, he brings the physical edge that we often see throughout the league in the Scottish Premiership.
His background at Sunderland and Saint-Étienne shows he can handle intensity, while his ability to cover centre-back adds tactical flexibility.
He isn’t the most creative passer, but he recycles possession efficiently and offers balance beside more attacking midfielders.
At Rangers, he could anchor midfield, shielding the defence while freeing players such as Nicolas Raskin to push further up the pitch.
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