Russell Martin watching Callum Doyle sign for Wrexham
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Fri 22 August 2025 6:40, UK
Rangers’ defence has been a real cause for concern so far this season.
Russell Martin’s backline has been something he has been eager to address this summer, with Callum Doyle becoming a major target at Ibrox.
The Light Blues have now officially missed out on the defender, who has moved to Wrexham in a deal worth up to £8million.
Nasser Djiga’s blunder in the 3-1 loss to Club Brugge summed up Martin’s defensive problems, and with the Rangers boss keen on a new defender, Ibrox News looks at three alternatives to Doyle.
Defender Nasser Djiga in action for Rangers.
Djiga could already lose his place in the side (Credit: Imago)
Annass Salah-Eddine could join Rangers
The Gers have reignited their interest in Roma left-back Anass Salah-Eddine this summer.
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Rangers had shown interest in the Dutchman in January 2024 and have kept track of his progress.
Annass Salah-Eddine moved to Roma from FC Twente in January
He was born in Amsterdam and came through Ajax’s infamous academy
Salah-Eddine was only signed by the Italian giants in January for £7.5m plus more in potential add-ons, but has failed to impress new coach Gian Piero Gasperini in pre-season.
The defender has been told to train on his own this summer, which presents the perfect opportunity for Gers to strike.
Xavier Mbuyamba
Rangers have been linked with Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba this summer.
The Dutchman has been referred to in the media as “the next Virgil Van Dijk“, and he could follow in the footsteps of his Netherlands counterpart.
Player Games Clean sheets Successful tackles
Mbuyamba 36 12 1.27 per 90
Mendy 21 4 1.02 per 90
Nobel Mendy and Xaview Mbuyamba stats compared from last season
However, he would be heading to the opposite part of Glasgow and playing at Ibrox.
Given that Rangers have now missed out on Nobel Mendy due to the defender failing his medical, they could revive their interest in Mbuyamba.
Mbuyamba in action for Volendam
Mbuyamba in action for Volendam (Credit: Imago)
Aaron Anselmino
Rangers have shown interest in Chelsea defender Aaron Anselmino this summer.
The 20-year-old Argentine had been linked with a Chelsea loan move to Rangers in January, but he ultimately elected to stay on loan with his former club, Boca Juniors.
Anselmino has now returned to Chelsea, and given the Blues’ clearout, Rangers can again look to bring him in on loan.
The Argentine has shown that he has the Argentine aggression when it comes to defending, an attribute that Gers clearly need in such a weak defence.
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