(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Tue 3 March 2026 9:40, UK

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Rangers are set to add at least one new centre-back to their squad on a permanent basis this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

Danny Rohl and Co. have already earmarked the heart of the backline as a “key priority” for their business ahead of next season, due to a feeling behind the scenes that the squad is light there at the moment.

Loanees Derek Cornelius and Nasser Dijga are set to return to their parent clubs at the end of the campaign, and sources say that Rangers are keen to avoid relying on defensive loan signings again next term.

They spent heavily in the market during the January window, and the board are set to back Rohl in the market once again in order to provide the transfer reinforcements that he needs in the rearguard.

Rangers desperately trying to keep Emmanuel Fernandez

Rohl looks set to be left with three senior centre-backs at the start of the summer, with only John Souttar, Emmanuel Fernandez and Dujon Sterling capable of playing there.

It is a key priority for the German to add greater depth in that area of the pitch, but he is also desperately trying to ensure that he doesn’t lose any more of his current options before he can bring in new faces.

Fernandez is already attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, with even leaders Arsenal chasing a move for him at the moment.

Football Insider recently revealed that it would take a “huge offer” for Rangers to consider letting him go this summer, while winning the Scottish Premiership title and securing Champions League football would provide further security.

However, the pull of the Premier League is intense, and it will not be easy for the Ibrox outfit to fend off interest if it continues to mount with every passing game.

Old Firm slammed for UEFA issue

Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Rangers and Celtic are to blame after Scotland lost one of its Champions League places.

The latest update to UEFA’s coefficient has dealt the Scottish Premiership a new blow in terms of its European placings, and Wyness believes that the Old Firm duo are at fault due to years of sub-par performances on the continent.

He added that the change will affect Scottish football across the board, with less money set to into the Premiership, and as a result the rest of the pyramid as a whole.

That could also create an issue when it comes to keeping hold of some of the league’s top players like Fernandez.