Mohamed Diomande Russell Martin Rangers
(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media/Getty Images)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Fri 6 June 2025 10:27, UK
Russell Martin wants to build his new-look Rangers team around Mohamed Diomande and will reject any approach from Everton, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what his sources have told him about Rangers‘ attempts to keep hold of the Ivorian.
Rangers confirmed Martin’s appointment as their new head coach on Thursday (5 June), and their new ownership group led by Andrew Cavenagh will transform the Scot’s squad in this summer’s window.
Diomande’s form at Ibrox since his move from Nordsjaelland has attracted transfer interest alongside the likes of Nico Raskin, with Everton keen on the 23-year-old and a profit on the cards for the Light Blues.
However, sources have told Football Insider that neither Martin nor the new Rangers hierarchy are open to selling Diomande this summer, with a view to building their new-look team around the midfielder.
Rangers believe there is “more to come” from Diomande next term, and Martin is keen for the Ivory Coast international to develop further before eventually being sold.
Mohamed Diomande, Rangers
Diomande featured 48 times in all competitions for Rangers last season (Credit: Imago)
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Diomande to help Rangers ‘close the gap’ this summer
Football Insider revealed on 4 June that Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises’ takeover will allow Rangers to seal several new commercial deals, bringing in the finances to keep hold of players like Diomande.
Speaking on the new Inside Track, O’Rourke said that while Rangers will look to maximise their profits on several players in the midst of a huge summer overhaul, Diomande is one they’re firmly against selling.
“They’ll be looking to keep hold of Diomande, develop him and then have his price tag go up further before cashing in”, he told Football Insider.
“Big changes are expected at Ibrox next season – Russell Martin will want to build around the midfielder, while also maximising profit on players.
“Closing the gap on Celtic means [Rangers] keeping their best players, and there is more to come from Diomande, but it’s easy to see why clubs like Everton are interested.”
Andrew Cavenagh has completed his takeover of Rangers (Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)
No Rangers fire-sale needed after Cavenagh and 49ers takeover
Rangers’ takeover by the Cavenagh-led consortium has been a long time coming, and Football Insider revealed on 2 June that Gers’ new owners will invest over £20million on new summer transfers at Ibrox.
The decision to opt for Martin over Steven Gerrard or Davide Ancelotti has seen Rangers draw criticism from some corners, but the ex-Southampton boss will be able to make a splash with the money available.
Rangers have already cut £4m off their wage bill after the departures of Ianis Hagi, Leon Balogun, Tom Lawrence and three loaned players, and the coinciding takeover means that players like Diomande won’t need to be sacrificed.
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