NafisaKevin Thelwell Eyes £9m Flynn Downes Swoop for Rangers After Massive Ibrox Investment Green Light – Major Rebuild Underway
Rangers are gearing up for a high-impact summer transfer window following a major financial injection from 49ers Enterprises and approval from shareholders at Monday’s EGM. With £20 million in new funding officially backed, newly appointed sporting director Kevin Thelwell now has the green light to make bold moves—starting with a potential £9 million bid for Southampton’s Flynn Downes.
Thelwell, entrusted with reshaping the squad for new manager Russell Martin, is reportedly ready to push for the 26-year-old defensive midfielder, who previously thrived under Martin in the Championship. With Downes currently struggling for consistent game time at Southampton, and Rangers needing immediate reinforcements, a reunion could be on the cards.
This development follows the arrival of Lyall Cameron on a pre-contract, making him Martin’s first official signing. The club is also advancing in talks to bring in Max Aarons from Bournemouth, another player who fits Martin’s tactical blueprint but has found himself sidelined in recent months.
With a crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos looming, there is growing pressure to bolster the squad quickly and decisively. The recent £20 million investment suggests a major change in direction, especially as Rangers aim to finally match Celtic in terms of transfer spending power.
Downes is seen as a potential replacement for Nico Raskin, who has been linked with a move to Wolves. While Thelwell is likely to embrace a long-term, profit-driven recruitment model, the addition of a proven, battle-hardened player like Downes would provide an immediate upgrade in midfield—especially important if Rangers are to mount a serious challenge for silverware next season.
Fans can also expect more experienced names, with Conor Coady being lined up to add defensive steel and Premier League pedigree. While the age profile of some targets has raised eyebrows, the emphasis appears to be on balancing youthful promise—like that shown by recent signings Hamza Igamane and Mohamed Diomande—with reliable performers who can deliver now.
With the club’s ownership now clearly backing an ambitious rebuild, Thelwell is poised to reshape the squad into a team capable of restoring Rangers’ domestic dominance and making a mark in Europe. The £9m pursuit of Downes could be just the start of a transformative summer at Ibrox.
Nafisa
