Rangers set sights on signing Casper Widell in next early summer transfer after Lawrence Shankland
Rangers are reportedly interested in a move to sign Excelsior centre-back Casper Widell in the summer transfer window.
The Gers are keen to strengthen in the transfer window, after a frustrating season ended in disappointment.
Danny Rohl’s team had been on the march for the Scottish Premiership title, but lost four consecutive games to drop out of the race and let the prize fall back into Celtic’s hands.
Lawrence Shankland has already arrived from title challengers Hearts this summer, and decision-makers at Ibrox are expected to enact huge changes within the squad.
Centre-back is a particular position of interest for Rangers transfer chiefs, with Nasser Djiga expected to return to Wolves.
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VISIT THE RANGERS TRANSFER HUBRangers eye Casper Widell
Former Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Rangers will explore the market for young players this summer, as they attempt to refresh the squad.
Widell appears to fall into the category, with the 23-year-old impressing for Excelsior in the Eredivisie this season.
| Casper Widell | Stats – Eredivisie 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Tackles | 33 |
| Clearances | 248 |
| Recoveries | 99 |
| Duels won | 152 |
The Swede appeared in every single league game of the season, captaining the side as they avoided relegation.
According to Expressen, Rangers are interested in Widell, who will only have one year remaining on his contract this summer.
Championship clubs Derby and Blackburn Rovers have also shown their interest, with the Gers needing to move quickly if they are to agree a deal.
The defender is a Sweden youth international, and began his career with Helsingborg’s youth teams, before impressing for the senior squad.
“Deze club zit in mijn hart” ♥️
— Excelsior Rotterdam (@excelsiorrdam) February 1, 2026
🔗 https://t.co/YZ2X2gFi7K#CasperWidell2027 pic.twitter.com/eRIoe4Y1t2
Excelsior signed him in 2023 in a deal reportedly worth just £150,000, and he has gone on to make 106 appearances in just three seasons.
Rangers squad situation assessed
Just a brief look at the Rangers squad is enough to know that they are desperately in need of a new signing in the middle of defence.
Djiga enjoyed a better second half of the season but is expected to return to Wolves this summer, while Derek Cornelius will return to Marseille.
✍️ We are today thrilled to announce the signing of Nasser Djiga from @Wolves on a season-long loan.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) July 9, 2025
All the info ⤵️
That will leave Emmanuel Fernandez and John Souttar, who has suffered from injury issues this season.
Not only will Widell bring depth and quality if Rangers can get him, but the 23-year-old should bring a leadership presence too, having captained Excelsior this season.
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