Casper Widell wants ‘dream move’ to Rangers as Danny Rohl lines up summer signing
Casper Widell is the latest name to be linked with Rangers this summer.
Danny Rohl is looking for reinforcements to strengthen his squad after a dismal finish to the season, in which his side finished third in the Scottish Premiership.
A report from Expressen journalist Anel Advic on 30 May claims that Widell could seal a “dream move” this summer, and names the Gers as an interested party.
The 23-year-old centre-back helped Excelsior Rotterdam to a 13th-place finish in the Eredivisie, making 34 appearances in the division.
Rangers need depth at the back, and the Swedish defender fits the bill for what Rohl’s side requires to push forward.
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Rohl lines up deal but Rangers face competition
Rangers have big plans this summer, with Andrew Cavenagh, one of the majority owners, promising change.
However, they may face a battle to sign Widell as the report claims that English Championship sides Derby and Blackburn Rovers are also keeping an eye on his situation.
| Rangers’ current centre-back options | Contract expires |
| John Souttar | 2028 (with option) |
| Dujon Sterling | 2028 |
| Emmanuel Fernandez | 2029 |
| Nasser Djiga | 2026 (loan) |
| Derek Cornelius | 2026 (loan) |
Rohl is lining up a deal for the player whose contract expires in 2027, but he is not the only one.
Who is Rangers target Widell?
Widell came through the Helsingborgs IF academy, making his first team debut in 2020 and going on to play 61 games for the Red Ones.
He moved to Excelsior in 2023, and has made 106 appearances for the Dutch club across three seasons, showing that he could handle the move to the Scottish Premiership.
He has worked his way through the Swedish youth system, playing five times for the Under-17s, nine times for the Under-19s and making 12 appearances for the Under-21s.
| Widell’s career stats | Matches | Goals | Assists |
| Helsingborgs IF | 61 | 0 | 0 |
| Excelsior | 106 | 6 | 2 |
The Gers have prioritised signing Scottish players in this window to add a core of homegrown players who know what it means to play for the Light Blues, but it appears that they are still keen to bring in foreign exports too.
Widell may well prove to be a bargain addition, as he has plenty of experience in difficult leagues already, and could make the right impression at Ibrox if a deal comes off.
It remains to be seen whether the Bears can beat their English rivals to his signature, but it is an encouraging sign that they are looking to add to the defence.
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