Credit: Imago, Moselle TV

Oliver Walton

Thu 30 April 2026 13:39, UK

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Max Aarons is surely set to return to Bournemouth this summer as Rangers look elsewhere for right-back signings with a move for Koffi Kouao lined up.

Loanee Aarons has been a rotation option for Danny Rohl at Rangers for the majority of this season, after initially nailing down a spot as first choice under Russell Martin.

Club legend James Tavernier is set to leave when the campaign ends, meaning the Gers are set to be in the market to sign a new right-back on a permanent deal.

It does not look as if Aarons has done enough to earn the move, with reports from France claiming that they are battling Sunderland to land Metz star Kouao.

Rangers’ transfer plans will be heavily dictated by how they end this season, with Champions League qualification set to be key to luring certain players to Ibrox.

Rangers decide not to keep Max Aarons as Koffi Kouao move lined up

Kouao took to Instagram to announce his imminent exit from Metz last week, saying: “It’s been four seasons of ups and downs, joys and sadness. But I’ve always tried to give everything on the pitch for this club, and to live up to expectations off it. Three more matches to finish the season strong. But it has been an honour.”

According to a new report from Media Foot, Rangers are in the mix to sign the Ivorian defender as he reaches the end of his contract, with Sunderland and an unnamed Bundesliga side also interested.

The 27-year-old has been performing at a high level for Metz in Ligue 1, despite their poor campaign, and ranks highly for the above statistics when compared to other fullbacks in the division.

Rangers clearly want to bolster their right-back options with Tavernier set to leave, but Aarons now seems unlikely to stay at Ibrox if they are looking elsewhere at a player who has performed better than him this season.

What has Aarons said about staying at Rangers?

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Tavernier wants to move to the Saudi Pro League, so his career is clearly winding down, yet Aarons has been unable to oust him from Rohl’s side this season.

The Bournemouth loanee spoke highly of Rangers back in December, and revealed his desire to stay at the club beyond this summer.

When asked if he would like to stay, he said: “For sure. Playing for this club and playing at Ibrox are amazing experiences and what you want to be playing in as a player.

“The start was disappointing, but since the new manager has come in it’s been great, I feel really confident. In terms of how I feel here, I’m loving it.”

He has since managed to make just four starts for the club across all competitions, so it certainly seems as if Rohl has made up his mind on keeping Aarons past this season.