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Rangers target shares untold story behind summer transfer collapse as exiled Ibrox star ‘refused’ to leave

The centre-back admits he was keen on a move to Glasgow from the Eredivise

Published: Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 4:10 PM
Rangers target shares untold story behind summer transfer collapse as exiled Ibrox star ‘refused’ to leave
Key Things to Know
  • Casper Widell revealed his summer move to Rangers collapsed because another defender refused to leave.
  • Rangers' leadership placed a directive that incoming defensive signings depended on player exits.
  • Widell opted to remain at Excelsior on a permanent basis rather than taking alternative transfer offers.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Casper Widell has revealed that his proposed permanent transfer to Rangers collapsed during the summer window. The 23-year-old Excelsior defender stated that a directive from the Scottish club required another defender to leave before they could finalize his signing.

Widell explained that a move was blocked because an exiled player rejected proposed loan departures and refused to leave Ibrox. Out-of-favor defender John Souttar remained at Rangers past the deadline despite drawing interest from English Football League clubs and Greek side Aris Thessaloniki.

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