A “natural leader” is now pushing behind-the-scenes to join Rangers this week, ahead of the crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, according to a report.
Gers gearing up for Panathinaikos clash
The all-important Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos is now on the horizon, with the first leg due to take place at Ibrox next Tuesday, but UEFA’s squad registration rules could cause the Gers a few problems.
No more than 25 players can be named on list A, with eight spots reserved for locally trained players, but Russell Martin currently only has seven to choose from, which means the manager is at risk of forfeiting one of the places in his squad.
The Light Blues need to try and get as many bodies through the door as possible ahead of the initial deadline of this Thursday at 11pm, and Martin appears to be particularly keen to bring in a new centre-back.
Rangers star agrees to leave with deal now on the verge of being finalised
He looks to be heading for the exit door.
ByTom CunninghamJul 15, 2025
Rangers have now joined the race for Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba, while they are also well-known to be interested in Leicester City’s Conor Coady, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the Englishman.
According to a report from The Daily Record, Coady is now pushing behind-the-scenes to secure a move to Ibrox, with the defender desperate to seal a move prior to Leicester embarking on a ten-day pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday.
It appears as though Martin would also be very happy if the deal gets the green light in the near future, considering the manager is described as a huge admirer of the Leicester defender, who has set his heart on being a part of the Gers backline.
The Foxes have delayed the move, while getting the deal for former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes over the line, and Rangers will be hoping the new Leicester boss doesn’t view the 32-year-old as part of his plans for next season.
"Natural leader" Coady could be perfect fit for Rangers
Former Gers striker Jermaine Defoe clearly believes the 32-year-old would be a solid signing, saying: “Conor can lead from the back and he’ll be a massive signing for Rangers. He’s a natural leader and you don’t get many of them. Some players develop that over their career.
“But with someone like Conor, I think he’s been like that from a young kid, it’s natural.”
It is clear to see why Defoe holds the Leicester defender in high regard, given that he is vastly experienced at Premier League level, making 198 appearances in the top flight, while also amassing ten caps for his country.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was very impressive during his time at Molineux, missing just one Premier League game across four full seasons.
Given that he is in the latter stages of his career, Coady has started to receive less game time since moving to Leicester for £7.5m, but his leadership qualities mean he could still be a fantastic signing for Rangers.