GLASGOW, SCOTLAND — Under the strategic leadership of new head coach Russell Martin, Rangers Football Club have officially announced their fifth significant signing of the summer transfer window, securing the services of highly regarded 23-year-old Thelo Aasgaard from Luton Town. This move, confirmed on Saturday, July 5, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Rangers’ ambitious recruitment drive, bringing in a versatile and talented player to bolster their midfield and attacking options ahead of a crucial 2025-26 season.
Aasgaard, a Norway international midfielder who can also operate effectively as a winger or attacking midfielder, has signed a four-year contract with the Ibrox club for a fee reported to be in the region of £3.5 million. His arrival demonstrates Russell Martin’s clear intent to inject dynamism, quality, and a winning mentality into the Rangers squad as they prepare for a demanding domestic campaign and vital UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
The signing of Thelo Aasgaard means Rangers have now formally welcomed five new faces to Ibrox since Russell Martin took the helm. This robust recruitment drive highlights the club’s commitment to providing Martin with the necessary resources to implement his tactical vision and compete for silverware. The confirmed additions include:
- Lyall Cameron (Midfielder, 22 years old, from Dundee): A free transfer, officially unveiled on June 17, 2025. Cameron, a promising Scottish talent, adds depth and energy to the midfield.
- Max Aarons (Right-back, 25 years old, from Bournemouth): Joined on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. Aarons provides crucial competition and quality at right-back, bringing Premier League experience to the defensive line.
- Oscar Cortes (Winger, 21 years old, from RC Lens): A permanent signing for around £4.5 million. Cortes was already familiar with Ibrox, having spent part of the 2024-25 season on loan. His permanent acquisition adds a proven attacking threat from the wide areas.
- Joe Rothwell (Midfielder, 30 years old, from Bournemouth): Signed for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal. Rothwell brings experience, athleticism, and composure to the midfield, having completed his medical earlier in the week.
- Thelo Aasgaard (Midfielder/Winger, 23 years old, from Luton Town): The latest addition, confirming his move on July 5. Aasgaard’s versatility, technical ability, and goal-scoring threat make him a highly valuable asset.
Aasgaard’s profile aligns perfectly with Russell Martin’s tactical preferences. He is known for his:
- Versatility: Capable of playing across various midfield roles, including central midfield, attacking midfield, and on both flanks as a winger. This flexibility provides Martin with numerous tactical options.
- Technical Proficiency: Aasgaard possesses excellent close control, dribbling ability, and passing range. He is comfortable operating in tight spaces and contributing to a possession-based style of play.
- Goal Threat: During his time at Wigan Athletic, he notably scored 16 goals in English League One over an 18-month period, showcasing his ability to contribute with goals from midfield. While his six months at Luton were cut short by their relegation from the Championship, his underlying talent remained clear.
- Work Rate and Energy: Martin’s teams demand high energy and relentless pressing, qualities Aasgaard has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
Upon his announcement, Aasgaard expressed his excitement, telling Rangers’ official website: “I am delighted to be here. I have been waiting for it, but I am glad to get it over the line. When I heard about Rangers I was over the moon. I have played against the manager’s teams a few times and I always pictured myself in his team and to be here now is really good. It was an easy decision, I love the number of games here, it is like the EFL and I love playing. The stature and history is enough as well.”
Russell Martin echoed this sentiment, stating: “We are delighted to bring Thelo to the club. He is a player who we have liked for a long time, and we believe he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive at this club and in this team. He wants to win and develop as a player, and we believe we can help him do both. His attributes will enhance the group and look forward to him getting to know his teammates on and off the pitch.” Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell added that Aasgaard “is a player capable of making the difference in the final third of the pitch and strengthens an area of the squad that we feel is important.”
The five signings under Russell Martin underscore a clear and consistent transfer philosophy:
- Character First, Talent Second (But Both Preferred): Martin has repeatedly emphasized that he prioritizes character and a strong desire to play for Rangers above all else. He stated that if a player needs to “hear my options,” Rangers are “onto the next one.” The immediate willingness of players like Aasgaard, Rothwell, and Aarons to commit to Ibrox suggests they meet this non-negotiable criterion.
- Targeted Reinforcement: The acquisitions address key areas of need identified by Martin and Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell. Midfield depth has been enhanced with Cameron, Rothwell, and Aasgaard. The defense has seen new faces in Aarons and Fernandez. The permanent signing of Cortes adds a proven winger. This methodical approach ensures that each new player fills a specific void or enhances competition.
- Balancing Experience and Potential: While experienced players like Joe Rothwell bring immediate impact, the focus on younger talents like Aasgaard (23), Cameron (22), Cortes (21), and Fernandez (20) highlights a long-term vision for the club, building a core that can grow and develop together.
- Preparation for European Football: Rangers face crucial Champions League second-round qualifiers against Panathinaikos later this month. Martin has made it clear that he expects “a few” new faces in before these European ties. The swift completion of these five signings provides the squad with crucial time to integrate and build cohesion ahead of these high-stakes matches. Aasgaard, for instance, should be available for the first leg against Panathinaikos on July 22.
With Aasgaard becoming the fifth official signing, Rangers have completed a significant portion of their summer business. However, Russell Martin had indicated a desire for more additions, particularly in the attacking third (including more wingers) and potentially another centre-back.
Ongoing rumors suggest the club is still actively pursuing:
- Centre-backs: Names like Conor Coady (Leicester City) and Nasser Djiga (Wolves) continue to be linked, as Martin looks to further solidify his defensive options.
- Strikers: The potential departures of Cyriel Dessers and Hamza Igamane mean a new striker remains a priority. Dor Turgeman (Maccabi Tel Aviv) and even veteran Jamie Vardy (free agent) have been mentioned as targets.
The signing of Thelo Aasgaard is a major statement from Rangers. It underscores Russell Martin’s impact and the club’s determination to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for the Scottish Premiership title and making a strong push in Europe. The new era at Ibrox is well and truly underway, with five exciting additions already through the door.
