‘Neraysho Kasanwirjo to be 49ers’ first signing as Rangers deal lined up’
Neraysho Kasanwirjo is back in the frame to feature for Rangers again despite nearing the end of a frustrating loan spell at Ibrox.
The 23-year-old defender has been sidelined with a serious knee injury since November, making just 12 appearances in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League before suffering his huge blow.
Despite limited game time during the 2024/25 campaign, the Ibrox faithful were quick to fall in love with the full-back, who can play on either side and is also capable of deputising in the centre of defence.
Barry Ferguson, who will be vying to keep his job at Rangers, has yet to work with the young Dutchman, having only taken over from Philippe Clement in February, but there might still be a chance.
With four matches of the season remaining, Kasanwirjo has been pictured back in training with the Gers squad ahead of the clash with Celtic, which is ahead of schedule, and even started for Rangers B on Tuesday, 29 April, before opening the scoring.
49ers Enterprises already have potential first signing at Ibrox
49ers Enterprises’ anticipated takeover of Rangers has caused a lot of excitement, even if the American franchise is unlikely to completely unlock their warchest once a deal is completed.
Supporters have become increasingly frustrated by the lack of investment in recent years, especially on the pitch, as the Gers fall further and further behind their Old Firm rivals, Celtic, in the Scottish Premiership.
Backing of the manager, whether that be Ferguson or if Rangers replace the former midfielder with Jose Mourinho, Sean Dyche, Derek McInnes, Steven Gerrard, or anyone else, will be vital under new owners.
However, it will be a very slow process, getting rid of members of the current squad before splashing the cash, but 49ers’ first signing of the summer might already be at Ibrox.
Neraysho Kasanwirjo can seal permanent move in remaining matches
Kasanwirjo can use the remaining four league matches to remind supporters of exactly why they were so devastated about the Feyernood loanee’s season-ending injury, or so it was thought to be.
The Light Blues’ defence has left a lot to be desired, under Ferguson and Clement, having conceded 20 goals in 11 games since the new manager took over.
| Manager | Games | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
| Barry Ferguson | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 40 |
Leon Balogun, 36, and James Tavernier, 33, are both nearing the ends of their careers, and considering Robin Propper’s inabilities in defence and Dujon Sterling’s inability to stay fit, the Gers are in desperate need of at least one new defender.
It remains to be seen just how much the permanent deal for Kasanwirjo might cost, but having been sent out by Feyernood, it will be quite simple to take him off their hands given there is a confirmed permanent option in the loan deal [Rangers].
And since that was negotiated last summer under the restricted finances of that window it seems unlikely the cost would be prohibitive, for a player who displayed obvious ability before his injury.
Some fans might be slightly worried about his recent injury, and understandably so given the history of so many in the past few seasons, but with just one other serious injury in his senior career, it could be a no-brainer for 49ers Enterprises to pull the trigger on a deal that is already lined up.