Rangers fans react as verdict shared over Todd Cantwell return to Ibrox

Rangers fans have been debating over the possibility of Todd Cantwell returning to Ibrox in the summer.

The attacking midfielder made 64 appearances for the Light Blues across a brief spell between January 2023 and August 2024, before he returned south of the border to join Blackburn.

His current side are fighting against relegation in the lower reaches of the Championship table at the moment, and that has prompted plenty of speculation regarding the future of their captain.

Blackburn’s Head of Football Operations Rudy Gestede recently revealed that they “simply cannot compete” in terms of wages on a new deal for Cantwell, who is due to enter the final year of his contract in the summer.

That has prompted one Rangers fan to suggest on X that they would “love” to have the 27-year-old back at Ibrox, and his verdict has sparked a huge debate among the fanbase.

Rangers fans to take Todd Cantwell back ‘in a heartbeat’

The supporter who shared the initial verdict regarding the possibility of a return move for Cantwell did so on the basis that he could handle the physicality of the Scottish Premiership better than Thelo Aasgaard is doing at the moment.

The Blackburn star impressed during his previous stint at Ibrox, as he notched 10 goal involvements in 16 league games in his first season, before following that up with a further 12 in 2023-24.

Todd Cantwell playing for Rangers
Credit: Getty Images

However, he departed in frustrating circumstances from the fans’ perspective, as he handed in a transfer request after a falling out with then-manager Philippe Clement.

Cantwell’s name is now a big talking point among the Rangers faithful once again, and the fanbase appear to have mixed ideas over the suggestion of a return in the replies to the post on X

One supporter outlined that they would have the ex-Norwich man back “in a heartbeat,” while another indicated that they felt he would “flourish” as part of a stronger Gers team.

However, for every positive take on Cantwell’s ability, there was a negative view in equal measure, as one fan suggested he “doesn’t have the mental aspect” needed to succeed at Ibrox, while another labelled him as “rank rotten.”

The Gers face difficult Thelo Aasgaard conundrum

The debate surrounding a potential move for Cantwell has sparked more fury from the Rangers fanbase towards Aasgaard, something which has been a common theme throughout the campaign.

The attacker has largely underwhelmed since his £3.5million move from Luton Town last summer, and apart from the odd moment of quality, his performances have left a lot to be desired.

Fans have already begun to lose patience with the 23-year-old, who signed a long-term contract until the summer of 2029.

If Aasgaard’s sub-par displays continue, then it leaves Rangers in a very difficult position regarding his future, as he still has plenty of time to develop, but the club already look likely to make a loss on him.

If they were to sell, then it would almost be an admission of yet another high-profile recruitment failure, but if they trust that he will come good, then they could risk losing plenty of money long-term.

For more expert analysis on Rangers and the Scottish Premiership title race, check out Ibrox News.