Danny Rohl has clear full-back plan at Rangers amid Koffi Kouao links
Danny Rohl’s Rangers will be in for a huge overhaul over the summer, with Koffi Kouao emerging as one of the first names to start the rebuild.
The Gers will lose James Tavernier at the end of this season, with the fullback ending his spell after his contract expires.
Additionally, the Glasgow outfit has plenty of loan deals set to expire, including Mikey Moore, Nasser Djiga and Jayden Meghoma, among plenty more.
If the Gers want to remain in a title challenge next season and even push on to win the Scottish Premiership, there is lots of business to be done.
Rohl’s planning for his squad has become clear, as the transfer links of Kouao to Rangers make his fullback strategy evident.
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How does Koffi Kouao compare to Tuur Rommens at Rangers?
Rangers’ move for Kouao signals they are preparing for life after Tavernier, who is set to leave at the end of the season.
The Englishman is not easy to replace, with not many in football having his qualities from fullback in terms of goal contributions.
| Koffi Kouao for Metz in Ligue 1 in 2025-2026 | Total |
| Dribble success | 71% |
| Duel success | 56% |
| Balls recovered per game | 4.9 |
So, it makes it understandable that the Bears may look in a different direction.
As seen by the radar by Data.MB, Kouau and Rommens both share two key traits when it comes to their fullback play.
Both players win possession back on a frequent basis and, meanwhile, are both sufficient at carrying the ball up the pitch.
That sort of wide progression has been key under Rohl this season, with Moore an important asset in that aspect as well.
Unfortunately, Rommens’ Rangers data is not yet available due to a lack of minutes, but nonetheless, it shows a clear plan.
The Gers want high-flying fullbacks who can affect play with their determination and power in getting up the field.
It is a totally different style compared to the likes of Tavernier and Meghoma, who are not quite as strong in both areas, and more centred around progression via passing.
Kouao, who is rated at £2.16million by Transfermarkt, is an excellent dribbler, with his 71 per cent success in France’s top flight.
Where does this leave Dujon Sterling at Rangers?
With Max Aarons unlikely to have his loan extended at Rangers, it would leave Dujon Sterling as the only right-sided fullback at Ibrox as it stands.
The Englishman could stay on as a back-up option to whoever the Gers sign. However, his fitness has been an issue over the last few seasons.
Sterling has seemingly got over that hump, but the Bears will have to question whether they can trust it to remain that way.
Overall, Sterling will likely end up being simply competition for Kouao or whoever joins in the summer.
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